A flurry of questions come to mind when a woman first thinks of becoming pregnant or discovers she is pregnant for the first time. While pregnancy can be a time of joy for many, for others fears, worries and physical discomfort eclipse the awe and wonder. While providing answers to all possible pregnant-related questions, many will find their concerns deal with a handful of topics.
The Importance of Prenatal Care
The Ohio State University Medical Center website says pregnant women should make a prenatal care appointment with either an obstetrician/gynecologist, OB/GYN, a Certified Nurse Midwife, or even a family physician or nurse practitioner who a background in women's healthcare, as soon as the pregnancy is suspected. This will likely be the first of many visits that will continue until delivery. Women without a complicated pregnancy can expect monthly prenatal care appointments through the 28th week of pregnancy, and every two weeks from weeks 29 through 36. Weekly visits will occur from week 37 until delivery.
The goal of prenatal care is to ensure a healthy pregnancy for both the mother and child. Over the course of the pregnancy, monitoring of weight and blood pressure, fetal growth, sugar and protein levels will occur, as will tests to identify potential risks or complications.
Nutrition
While the best time to begin a healthy diet is before pregnancy, healthy eating proves critical during pregnancy because foods eaten by the mother are the sole source of nutrition for the baby. Pregnant women should avoid alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes, and should limit caffeine intake, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
A well-balanced diet that follows the U.S. Food and Drug Administration food pyramid can serve as a guideline with regard to servings of fruits, vegetables, fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. The fetus only requires an additional 100 to 300 calories per day, the equivalent of a small snack, although demands much more in terms of nutrients. Pregnant women need extra iron and folic acid, along with the normal amount of vitamins and minerals. Most doctors prescribe a prenatal vitamin to meet these requirements.
Fitness
Most women benefit greatly from exercising throughout their pregnancies. The KidsHealth website points out that exercise can help pregnant women look and feel better by toning muscles that relieve backaches, reduce constipation and improve sleep. Exercise also helps prepare the body for birth, while maximizing the chances for a quick return to a pre-baby body.
Developing a safe exercise plan depends on the pre-pregnancy fitness level. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least two hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week for healthy women. A doctor might limit exercise if there is any evidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension, contractions, bleeding or premature breaking of the water.
Most forms of exercise are safe providing it stops when signs of fatigue, dizziness, heart palpitations and shortness of breath or back and pelvis pain appear. Unless cleared by a doctor, pregnant women should avoid exercise that requires bouncing, leaping, a sudden change in direction, or the risk for abdominal injury.
Weight Gain
The amount of necessary weight gain depends on pre-pregnancy weight and body mass index or BMI. On average, a healthy gain for most is between 25 and 35 pounds. Overweight women should gain less and underweight women more. According to MayoClinic.com, weight gain in the first trimester often does not occur and poses no reason for concern. Steady weight gain is more important during the second and third trimesters, and can average between three and four extra pounds per month.
Signs of Complications
Pregnant women should be aware of warning signs indicating there may be a complication, and seek immediate medical attention if they occur. The Ohio State University Medical Center lists these signs and they include vaginal fluid or blood leakage, blurry vision, unusual or severe abdominal pain, backaches or headaches, contractions, cramps and dizziness. Excessive vomiting and diarrhea, a high fever, and pain or burning during urination are also on the list. In addition, a doctor should be notified if sudden swelling occurs in the face, hands or legs, or if the baby's movements appear to decrease.
