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 Pregnancy is a very special time for women.
Everything you do can have an effect on your baby. It's important to
make healthy choices and to see your doctor as soon as you think you may
be pregnant. And it's just as important to see your doctor for
regular visits throughout your pregnancy.
What is the first visit like?
Your first prenatal appointment will probably last about an hour. Your doctor
will take your medical history and probably ask how you're feeling. Your doctor
will confirm you are pregnant with a urine test and a pelvic exam. You
will receive a complete physical examination and more lab tests will be
done. Urine and blood tests may be done at the first visit and again
later. You will also receive at each visit a blood pressure reading,
weight check, and a check of the size and position of your baby.
How often you'll need visits will depend on your doctor. You'll
probably have monthly visits until your 32 weeks (some doctors will begin
bimonthly visits closer to your 32 weeks) and weekly visits starting at 32
weeks.
What should I eat when I'm
pregnant?
When you feed yourself, you have to remember that
you're feeding your baby as well. So try to eat a healthy and well-balanced diet. This means having plenty of fruits and
vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals, and dairy products.
You also want to limit the amount of fatty foods and sweets you
eat. Try to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water, fruit juice,
or milk a day. Please remember that a calcium-rich diet is
essential for expectant mothers and their babies. Throughout your
pregnancy eat dairy products (milk, ice cream, puddings, cheese) or take
calcium supplements daily.
Doctors now state that pregnant women should have NO
alcohol while they are pregnant. This includes that small glass of
wine that was once thought safe to have every now and then. The same is true
for tobacco. Using alcohol, tobacco or any other drugs can be very harmful to
you and your baby! If you smoke, it’s not too late to quit. Ask your healthcare
provider for help. Also,
check with your doctor before taking any vitamins or herbal products.
Do not eat raw eggs, raw meat of any kind (including
fish), or soft cheeses or apple cider that are not pasteurized.
Those items can give you a food-borne illness.
Should I exercise
while I'm pregnant?
Exercising while you're pregnant can have wonderful
benefits. If you stay active you will feel better. It can lessen your
discomfort and fatigue, enhance your well-being, and help you recover
faster after delivery.
Swimming, walking, and riding a stationary exercise
bike are the safest exercises for pregnant women. But be sure to
check with your doctor before you start exercising.
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