Did you just find out about your pregnancy? Congratulations! I am so excited for you to start this new journey of motherhood. That being said, you might be overwhelmed with all the things you need to start doing for your unborn baby each day. What prenatal vitamins should you be taking? What should you ask your doctor? Was that symptom typical? Today I am going to talk about everything you need to know about prenatal care.
See A Doctor
Make sure to make an appointment with a physician when you become pregnant. Your doctor will want to schedule you in for routine check-ups to monitor your health and your baby’s health. You can start your prenatal care as soon as you find out you are pregnant. Most women will take a pregnancy test at home and then schedule an appointment with a doctor to confirm the tests.
Most likely your doctor will want to see you every 4 or 6 weeks for the first 32 weeks. Then, most likely, your doctor will want to see you more frequently. Usually, most women will see their doctor every 2 or 3 weeks from the 32nd to the 37th weeks. When you hit full term at 37 weeks, your doctor will most likely want to see you every week until delivery.
If you have any suspected at-risk symptoms or if your baby has any, you will be considered a high-risk pregnancy. Your doctor may want to see you more often. Keep in mind that just because you are considered high risk does not necessarily mean anything is wrong. Sometimes just your age if you are 35 or older, puts you at a higher pregnancy risk.
Prenatal Vitamins
It can be hard to get all the vitamins that you and your baby need while you are pregnant. That is why prenatal vitamins are so important. Even if you are eating healthy foods, depending on your body and needs, you may be skimping out on some essential nutrients. Think of taking a prenatal vitamin as an extra insurance policy.
Ideally, some believe that you should be taking a prenatal vitamin before becoming pregnant. The two critical nutrients that are important before and while pregnant are folic acid and iron.
Essential Nutrients
Folic Acid is a B vitamin that can reduce your baby’s risk of neural tube defects, spina bifida, and anencephaly. By taking folic acid, you may reduce your child’s chances of getting these defects by up to 70%. Folic acid also may reduce your child’s risk of getting cleft lip, cleft palate, and heart defects. For the mother, folic acid may lower her risk of developing preeclampsia.
Iron is another nutrient found in most prenatal vitamins. Many women do not get enough of this mineral in their diet. It is common for women to develop iron deficiency anemia even before becoming pregnant. When pregnant, it is even more important not to become anemic. Iron deficiency anemia can lead to low birth weight, infant mortality, and preterm delivery.
Stay In A Healthy Routine
Your baby’s health will greatly depend on your health. Make sure to eat healthily and get enough rest. You will most likely become more tired, especially during that first trimester. It’s important to take naps and get a full night’s sleep. You are growing a whole new human being inside of you, so your body is working overtime even when you aren’t aware of this.
Make sure to eat healthy foods. Cut out smoking and caffeine if you practice those habits. It’s important also to stay hydrated. Dehydration can lead to multiple problems for you and your baby. Keep water handy and around you all day. A water bottle is a great thing to tote around with you.
Don’t Stop Exercising
Make sure to continue exercising, with your doctor’s permission of course. By staying strong and healthy, you are also keeping your baby strong and healthy. Avoid contact sports where your baby may become injured. Aerobic activities that you can continue throughout your pregnancy may include walking, running, swimming, and bicycling.
Just be sure to stay fueled up and hydrated and don’t overdo it. You will have precious cargo on board so keep that in mind when selecting activities.
Say No To Stress
Keep stress at a minimum. When you get upset your baby also will feel the tense effects of your emotions. Stay calm and try not to let things bother you. Also, some women like to add two weeks to their due date when telling when their baby is expected to arrive.
An average pregnancy is between 38 to 42 weeks, so you don’t have to give them the exact 40 day due date. Providing a later due date may reduce your mother in law from calling you every couple of hours when you hit 40 weeks. Enjoy this time and try not to sweat it out by letting stress creep in.
In conclusion, enjoy this unique and special time that you are pregnant. Savor it and take many pictures, but don’t neglect your health. By following the tips I included in this article, you should be well on your way to having a healthy pregnancy.
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