It is very important to stay healthy during pregnancy. This includes going to the doctor for checkups and choose to eat the right food.
Book a doctor’s appointment as soon as you come to know that you are pregnant. The doctor will review your medical history, record your weight and blood pressure and guide you to track your health during pregnancy.
Blood and urine samples are regularly taken during this time of pregnancy to keep a track of bacteria, high sugar levels (which can be a sign of diabetes), and high protein levels (which can be a sign for preeclampsia, a type of high blood pressure during pregnancy).
The other tests required during this time are:

• Pelvic exam to check the size and shape of your womb/uterus
• Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer
• Ultrasound to view your baby’s growth and position

Make sure to have a prenatal visit to your doctor once every four months. As you reach month 7 and 8, the doctor’s visit should be once in 2 weeks. The doctor will check your blood pressure, urine, your baby’s heartbeat, and the height of your uterus in your abdomen in every visit after the 20th week. You can freely discuss any of your concerns with your doctor during these sessions.

Aim to Improved Health

Here are some of the simple guidelines for you to have proper prenatal care:

Weight gain during pregnancy: This weight gain differs from person to person. Most women should gain about 25 to 30 pounds. Keep a track of how much weight do you gain or lose during this time.

Eating: Eat a balanced diet during this time. Include a lot of fruits and vegetables along with dairy products in your everyday meal. Avoid drinking unpasteurized milk or eating unpasteurized milk products. Avoid caffeine and sugar as much as possible.

Workout during pregnancy: Try to get at least half an hour of exercise every day during pregnancy. You can choose to work or swim. These exercises help the baby growth inside the womb.

You should immediately contact your doctor in case you experience the following symptoms with exercise:

• Dizziness
• Chest pain
• Blurred vision
• Stomach pain

Can I Have Sex During Pregnancy?

This is one of the most interesting concerns for every pregnant woman during this time whether they can have sex during pregnancy? As a matter of fact, it is completely safe to have sex while you are pregnant. However, the level of interest in sex changes in women during this time. As the baby grows inside you, you should try different positions while having sex to avoid any harm to the growing baby inside.

Things That Can Give You Trouble During Pregnancy

Here are some of the common problems faced during pregnancy:

• Morning sickness
• Tiredness
• Leg cramps
• Constipation
• Hemorrhoids
• Urinating more often
• Varicose veins
• Moodiness
• Heartburn
• Yeast infections
• Bleeding gums
• Stuffy nose
• Edema (retaining fluid)
• Skin changes

These can be well managed with a regular doctor visit, exercise, meditation, yoga and by joining community activities.

Things to Consider During This Time:

There are several things that you should try and avoid while you are pregnant. These are in fact set of warnings for you to take care of. You can talk to your doctor if you need help.

• Do not smoke as it raises your risk for miscarriage, low birth weight, preterm birth, and many other health problems
• Do not use drugs like cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and or any other drugs as these can increase your risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and birth defects for your baby
• Do not drink alcohol as this is the major cause of preventable birth defects. It can also cause fetal alcohol disorder
• Stay away from cleaning your cat’s litter box or eat raw or undercooked red meat.
• Do not douche your vagina unnecessarily.

Immediately Contact The Doctor If You Experience The Followings:

• Blood or fluid coming from your vagina
• Swelling of any type in your face or fingers
• Severe or extreme headaches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Dim or blurry vision
• Cramps or pain in your lower abdomen
• Fever or chills
• Any change in your baby’s movements
• Any abnormality in urination
• Any burning feeling when you urinate
• Infection or illness of any type
• Any peculiar symptoms that bother you

Pregnancy is a vital period for any woman in her entire lifetime. We understand that and offer you all the care that you require at this time. Take care of you as much as possible and do contact us for any assistance you need.