Discovering you’re pregnant can be a wonderful time for a woman. Carrying a new life inside you is both exciting and challenging; it’s not unusual to feel a little overwhelmed about what lies ahead. Although your doctor may not be able to see you immediately, you’re probably concerned about how to begin taking care of yourself and your growing baby. There are a number of things you can and should be doing for yourself now, before you see your doctor.
As soon as you find out you’re pregnant–probably from a home pregnancy test–call and make an appointment for your first prenatal visit. Ask the nurse about starting prenatal vitamins; you’ll need a prescription.
Don’t take any medications you do not need. If you take medication for a chronic problem, call the physician who prescribes the medicine and tell him or her that you’re pregnant. Ask about taking the medication during pregnancy. Do not make any medical decisions on your own, and don’t stop taking any medication without first consulting your physician!
Now’s the time to give up alcoholic beverages, if you haven’t already. You need to be aware that many other products, including over-the-counter cough and cold remedies, contain alcohol. Read labels before using products!
It’s also wise to give up cigarettes if you smoke. However, do not use the various patches or gums to reach this goal without first consulting with your pregnancy doctor.
Eat nutritiously to provide good nutrition for you and your baby. When you can, avoid junk food because a lot of it has little or no nutritional value and may cause you to gain unnecessary weight.
If you’re exercising, you may continue until you see the doctor, if you don’t have any problems. If you don’t exercise, you may engage in moderate exercise, such as walking, swimming or exercising in the water, until you can discuss it with your doctor at your first prenatal visit.
Drink lots of fluid during the day–extra fluid helps you keep up with your body’s pregnancy changes and helps you feel good. Water is the best choice.
Feeling exhausted is common in early pregnancy, so get lots of rest. Relax and lie down when you can. Go to sleep earlier in the evening, or sleep longer in the morning. Nap during the day.
You may find you have to go to the bathroom a lot–that’s normal in early pregnancy. Go to the bathroom whenever you feel the urge.
It’s not unusual to feel emotional–you may cry for no reason or find yourself moody and irritable. The hormones your body produces to support your pregnancy can affect your emotions. Relax and take it easy; don’t try to do too much.
Get and begin using a good pregnancy book. Reading can help you prepare for your first prenatal visit.
Call your pregnancy doctor if you have any problems that cause you concern. Your doctor may want to see you to discuss them. And call the office if you have questions or need advice.
This is an exciting time–enjoy it!
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By the authors of Your Pregnancy Week by Week available from Da Capo Press. For more information, visit
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Are you trying to conceive or are you in the beginning stages of pregnancy? Do you feel excited, daunted or confused? Join Moms2B, a group to learn about prenatal care and share your pregnancy "firsts" each step of the way. To join, click here.
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Comments: 16
Also, it is now known that a type of mold that grows on corn and can be found in tortillas, masa, and other corn products prevent the absorption of folic acid. A large percentage of our population uses corn products on a daily basis, which can be harmful if you are pregnant.
Also, it may be advisable that reproductive age women should take prenatal vitamins, just on the off chance they become pregnant.
Researchers believe neural-tube defects, including spina bifida, may be prevented if the mother-to-be takes it at least 0.4mg of folic acid a day, beginning before pregnancy and continuing through the first 13 weeks. This is suggested for all pregnant women. A prenatal vitamin contains 0.8mg to 1mg of folic acid. This is usually sufficient for a woman with a normal pregnancy. Many grain products are now fortified with folic acid. Folic acid is also found naturally in foods, such as fruits, legumes, brewer's yeast, soybeans, whole-grain products and dark leafy vegetables. A well-balanced diet can help you reach your folic-acid-intake goal.
Fish contains omega-3 fatty acid, which helps in fetal brain and eye development, so include it in your diet. However, don't eat more than a total of 12 ounces a week of fish because of the methyl mercury found in many fish. If you're a vegetarian or you don't like fish, add tofu, canola oil, flaxseed, soybeans, walnuts and wheat germ to your food plan because these foods contain linolenic oil, which is a type of omega-3 fatty acid.
How about asking your doctor on your first visit to screen and treat you for any and all infections, especially sexually transmitted infections. And let your doctor know if you have genital herpes, he may want to put you on a maintanence therapy of Acyclovir at some point in your pregnancy. Hope I'm not overstepping my boundaries.
After a woman is pregnant, at the first or second prenatal visit she has with her doctor, blood work and any other tests the doctor deems necessary will be done. If a woman knows she has been exposed to an STD, it's important information to share with her doctor. At her first prenatal visit. Her doctor can then take steps to treat any infection.
Of course you're feeling stressed out---there's a lot going on in your body and your hormones are raging! Changing hormones alter how you feel about things, how you react (or overreact), your fatigue level and your reaction to stress. Take a deep breath and try to step back from all that is going on around you. You're not a big fat cow--you're a woman with a precious miracle happening in your body. You need to grow bigger to have a healthy pregnancy. And crying is not unusual for a pregnant woman--I remember crying very hard when I was pregnant with my son when my husband went off to take a nap and didn't tell me. I felt as though he'd deserted me!
Try some stress-relieving exercises, such as soaking in a warm bath or using pleasant aromas to help you relax. Listen to your favorite music or do something you enjoy, such as a crossword puzzle or reading. Take time for yourself. Do some physical exercise, too; itcan be very beneficial for relieving stress.
Have you talked to your doctor about how you're feeling? He or she may have some recommendations for you or medication may be prescribed. Your doctor is your ally in this journey--don't hesitate to enlist his or her help in getting through these incredible 9 months.
Don't worry about how you'll react to your baby crying. Most parents-to-be have this concern. All babies cry--it's a way for them to communication their needs t you. I'll bet that once your baby is born, you won't fall apart. You'll rise to the occasion, as we have. It is scary time, and you have a right to be scared. It's all unknown territory. Maybe you could look into joining a pregnancy support group that focuses on issues such as these--sometimes talking about them with other women who are in the same boat will help you see that your feelings are natural.
Good luck to you--please let us know how everything goes for you.
Ten unsolicited points from the world's worst connection. Merry whatever you celebrate!