The birth of your child is one of the most unique experiences that you may have. Pregnancy is a significant process that requires you to adjust your lifestyle. Having a healthy pregnancy is an attainable goal with some diligence and focus.
Step 1
Purchase a small notebook that you can carry with you to keep track of questions to ask your doctor (i.e. Can I take medications if I catch a cold? Is it OK for me to take my prescribed medications? Are there any warning signs I should look out for?), observations about your body and anything that you learn about health throughout your pregnancy.
Step 2
Visit your doctor to get an overall view of how your body is accepting the pregnancy and to ask questions. Ask him if there are any special considerations based on your situation.
Common questions include: Is exercising safe during pregnancy? (Yes, but give consideration to the duration and type of exercise to avoid injury.) What symptoms should I expect? (Some women experience nausea, vomiting, leg cramps, heartburn, or back pain and soreness) When should I start taking prenatal vitamins? (If you were taking multivitamins before pregnancy, you should continue them. Neonatal vitamins should be taken starting with the first trimester because the baby's organs and muscle tissue are forming.) How late in pregnancy is it safe to continue to have sex? (It is generally OK up to the point where the baby is descending in preparation for birth unless there have been previous complications with the pregnancy.)
Be sure to stay in touch with your doctor so he can help you manage your pregnancy. Schedule and attend your doctor's appointments on time.
Step 3
Examine your diet and adjust where necessary. Preferences can differ but pregnant women are advised to avoid alcohol and some may be told to stay away from fish and deli meats due to known effects on a pregnancy. Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables in order to increase your intake of vitamins and minerals such as folic acid and iron, which help to prevent birth defects and maintain adequate blood volume. Because you're eating for two, you will need to increase the amount of food you're eating and as a result will gain weight. Generally, you should gain 2 to 4 lbs. during the first three months of pregnancy and about 1 lb. a week for the remainder of the pregnancy.
Step 4
Stay active. Admittedly difficult because of what your body is experiencing, staying active maintains your body's functioning and builds up your body's strength throughout the pregnancy. If you wish to continue your normal workout routine, consult with your doctor. Exercises such as walking, swimming and yoga are recommended for pregnant women because of their minimal risk to the abdomen and are not weight-bearing.
Wear loose-fitting clothes and pace yourself, and don't work out until the point of exhaustion. Once you're in your second or third trimester, you should avoid exercises that require you to lie on your back. It is OK to exercise for as long as you feel comfortable and motivated to do it. If any potential risks are indicated, you should refrain from it for the remainder of the pregnancy.
Step 5
De-stress. Stress, particularly while pregnant, can have a significant effect on your health. Whether it's taking a bath, reading at home after work or listening to soft music, find something you like to do that is calming. Massages, manicures or pedicures are all nice ways to treat yourself when the occasion calls for it.
Things You'll Need
- Notebook
