Pregnancy Health

Pregnancy is a time of significant physical and emotional changes. Maintaining good health during pregnancy is crucial for both the mother's wellbeing and the baby's development. Proper prenatal care, nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle choices can help ensure a healthy pregnancy and positive outcomes.

This guide covers essential aspects of pregnancy health, from early prenatal care to preparing for delivery. Every pregnancy is unique, so it's important to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a care plan that's right for you.

Regular Check-ups:

• Start prenatal care as soon as you know you're pregnant
• Monthly visits until 28 weeks
• Every 2 weeks from 28-36 weeks
• Weekly from 36 weeks until delivery
• More frequent if high-risk pregnancy

What Happens at Visits:

• Check blood pressure and weight
• Measure baby's growth
• Listen to baby's heartbeat
• Check for complications
• Answer questions
• Discuss concerns

Important Screenings:

• Blood tests (anemia, infections, blood type)
• Urine tests
• Ultrasound scans
• Genetic screening (if desired)
• Glucose screening (gestational diabetes)
• Group B strep screening

Essential Nutrients:

• Folic acid: Prevents birth defects (important before and early in pregnancy)
• Iron: Prevents anemia, supports baby's growth
• Calcium: Builds baby's bones and teeth
• Protein: Essential for baby's growth
• DHA: Important for brain development

Foods to Emphasize:

• Fruits and vegetables (variety of colors)
• Whole grains
• Lean proteins (meat, fish, poultry, beans)
• Dairy products (calcium and protein)
• Healthy fats (nuts, avocados, olive oil)

Foods to Avoid:

• Raw or undercooked meat, fish, eggs
• Unpasteurized dairy products
• High-mercury fish (shark, swordfish, king mackerel)
• Raw sprouts
• Excessive caffeine
• Alcohol (avoid completely)
• Unwashed fruits and vegetables

Weight Gain:

• Depends on pre-pregnancy weight
• Average: 25-35 pounds (normal weight)
• More if underweight, less if overweight
• Discuss with healthcare provider
• Gradual weight gain is normal

Benefits:

• Reduces back pain
• Improves mood
• Helps with sleep
• Prepares for labor
• Easier postpartum recovery

Safe Activities:

• Walking
• Swimming
• Prenatal yoga
• Low-impact aerobics
• Stationary cycling
• Strength training (with modifications)

Activities to Avoid:

• Contact sports
• Activities with fall risk
• Scuba diving
• Hot yoga or saunas
• Activities that cause overheating

Guidelines:

• Get doctor's approval first
• Start slowly if new to exercise
• Listen to your body
• Stay hydrated
• Don't overexert
• Stop if you feel unwell

Sleep:

• May need more sleep than usual
• Sleep on side (left side best)
• Use pillows for support
• Address sleep problems

Stress Management:

• Practice relaxation techniques
• Get support from family and friends
• Consider prenatal classes
• Don't hesitate to ask for help
• Manage work stress

Medications:

• Discuss all medications with doctor
• Some medications are safe, others are not
• Don't stop medications without doctor approval
• Include over-the-counter medications
• Include supplements

Substances to Avoid:

• Alcohol: No safe amount during pregnancy
• Tobacco: Harmful to baby, increases complications
• Illegal drugs: Very harmful
• Excessive caffeine: Limit to 200mg per day

Morning Sickness:

• Common in first trimester
• Eat small, frequent meals
• Avoid triggers
• Stay hydrated
• May need medication if severe

Fatigue:

• Very common, especially first and third trimesters
• Get adequate rest
• Don't overexert
• Accept help from others

Back Pain:

• Common as pregnancy progresses
• Good posture
• Supportive shoes
• Gentle exercise
• Heat or cold therapy

Other Common Issues:

• Heartburn
• Constipation
• Swelling
• Varicose veins
• Stretch marks
• Mood changes

• Severe abdominal pain
• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• Severe headache with vision changes
• Severe shortness of breath
• Signs of preterm labor
• Decreased fetal movement (later in pregnancy)

• Any concerns or questions
• New or worsening symptoms
• Decreased fetal movement
• Signs of infection
• Concerns about medications
• Mental health concerns
• Need for support

• Attend all prenatal appointments
• Follow healthcare provider's recommendations
• Take prenatal vitamins
• Maintain healthy lifestyle
• Prepare for delivery

Before Delivery:

• Attend childbirth classes
• Prepare birth plan
• Pack hospital bag
• Arrange childcare for other children
• Prepare home for baby
• Learn about breastfeeding (if planning)

Support System:

• Build support network
• Communicate with partner
• Join pregnancy groups
• Don't hesitate to ask for help
• Prepare for postpartum period

High-Risk Pregnancies:

• May need more frequent monitoring
• Specialized care
• Additional tests
• Closer follow-up
• Work closely with healthcare team

Multiple Pregnancies:

• Twins, triplets, etc.
• May need specialized care
• Different considerations
• Higher risk of complications
• Close monitoring important

Age Considerations:

• Teen pregnancies: Special support needed
• Advanced maternal age (35+): Additional screening
• Each age group has considerations
• Discuss with healthcare provider

It depends on your pre-pregnancy weight. Generally, 25-35 pounds for normal weight women, more if underweight, less if overweight. Your healthcare provider will give you specific recommendations.

Yes, exercise is generally beneficial during pregnancy, but get your doctor's approval first. Most activities are safe with modifications. Avoid high-risk activities and listen to your body.

Avoid raw or undercooked foods, unpasteurized dairy, high-mercury fish, alcohol, and excessive caffeine. Discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

Typically monthly until 28 weeks, then every 2 weeks until 36 weeks, then weekly until delivery. Your schedule may vary based on your individual situation.

Yes, some anxiety is normal. However, if anxiety is severe or affecting your daily life, discuss with your healthcare provider. Mental health is important during pregnancy.