HEALTH TALK EDITION Spring 2014 informed choices about the best care for you and your baby. When planning to become pregnant, it is important that you see your provider on a regular basis.
Prenatal checkups
During pregnancy, regular checkups are very important. This consistent care can help keep you and your baby healthy, spot problems if they occur, and prevent problems during delivery. Typically, routine checkups occur: • Once each month for weeks 4 through 28 • Twice a month for weeks 28 through 36 • Weekly for weeks 36 to birth
Pregnancy Do’s •
See your doctor regularly.
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Continue taking folic acid throughout your pregnancy.
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Eat a variety of healthy foods.
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When cooking, keep raw meats, poultry, and seafood from touching other foods or surfaces and cook raw meat thoroughly. Clean, handle, cook, and chill food properly to prevent foodborne illness.
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Wash produce before eating it.
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Wash cooking utensils with hot, soapy water.
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Get all essential nutrients, including iron, every day.
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Drink extra fluids, especially water.
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Get moving! Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, physical activity is good for you and your baby.
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Gain and maintain a healthy amount of weight.
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Wash hands, especially after handling raw meat or using the bathroom.
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Get seven to nine hours of sleep every night.
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Control the stress in your life and set limits.
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Make sure health problems are treated and kept under control.
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Ask your doctor before stopping any medicines you take or taking any new medicines or supplements.
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Get a flu shot.
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Always wear a seatbelt. The lap strap should go under your belly, across your hips.
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Join a childbirth or parenting class.
Don’ts •
Don’t use tobacco products, alcohol, or illegal drugs.
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Avoid exposure to toxic substances and chemicals including paint fumes.
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Protect yourself and your baby from food-borne illness.
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Don’t clean or change a cat’s litterbox.
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Don’t eat swordfish, king mackerel, shark, and tilefish, which are high in mercury.
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Don’t eat more than six ounces of tuna per week.
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Don’t eat hot dogs, deli meats, refrigerated meat spreads, unpasteurized milk, juices or cheese, store-made salads, herbs and plants as medicines, or raw sprouts of any type.
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Avoid contact with rodents (including pets) and with their urine, droppings, or nesting material.
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Don’t take very hot baths or use hot tubs or saunas.
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Don’t use scented feminine hygiene products and don’t douche.
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Avoid x-rays.
For more information about why you should or shouldn’t do any of these things, visit DanvilleRegional. com and click on Health Library and select the Pregnancy Birthing Center of Excellence. 40 Showcase Magazine
| April 2014 | www.showcasemagazine.com
Women with high-risk pregnancies need to see their doctors more often. At your first visit your doctor will perform a full physical exam, take your blood for lab tests, and calculate your due date. Your doctor might also do a breast exam, a pelvic exam to check your uterus (womb), and a cervical exam, including a Pap test. During this first visit, your doctor will ask you lots of questions about your lifestyle, relationships, and health habits. It’s important to be honest with your doctor. After the first visit, most prenatal visits will include • Checking your blood pressure and weight • Checking the baby’s heart rate • Measuring your abdomen to check your baby’s growth You will also have some routine tests throughout your pregnancy, such as tests to check for anemia, tests to measure risk of gestational diabetes, and tests to look for harmful infections. Become a partner with your doctor to manage your care. Keep all of your appointments — every one is important! Ask questions and read to educate yourself about this exciting time.