You are responsible to take utmost care of the baby even before the birth. For that you have to enjoy healthy lifestyle along attending gynaecologist appointments while you’re pregnant on time often called as prenatal care.
You are responsible to take utmost care of the baby even before the birth. For that you have to enjoy healthy lifestyle along attending gynaecologist appointments while you’re pregnant on time often called as prenatal care. In this blog, we are going to assist the new mom-to-be in every possible way to have a healthy pregnancy period. Read on if you are going to be a mother soon.
How to improve health Gynaecology appointment is essential during pregnancy. Medical history and symptoms will be reviewed by assessing the symptoms you are experiencing. Afterwards, blood and urine samples get collected for better diagnosis for your overall health status.
It comprises of protein levels, sugar level, presence of bacteria in urine, infectious diseases (STIs), iron levels and CBC (complete blood count). Some other tests can be also advised during the initial consultation such as:
- Pelvic exam
- Pap smear
- An ultrasound scan
Prenatal visit has to be continued once in every 4-week. On completion of 7th month, you have to visit the gynaecologist once in every 2-week. Every visit will be equipped with some tests and monitoring on blood pressure and weight. Height of the baby will be measured along with detection of the heartbeat on completion of 20th week.
How much pounds is OK to gain at the time of pregnancy Everyone’s physical structure is different and so the bodily requirements. In most cases, it is fine to gain 25-30 pounds during pregnancy. The underweight pregnant ladies should consider it more significantly. The overweight women should shed off the extra pounds as well.
What is healthy to consume during your pregnancy? Consumption of balanced diet regards as highly important for the health of both mom and baby. Consider your diet accordingly during this pivotal period.
- One must avoid consumption of raw fish, eggs and meat. Always eat fully cooked and freshly prepared food. Some foods like tilefish, king mackerel and swordfish must be avoided. Light tuna is better option.
- Always eat washed and freshly cut veggies and fruits.
- Dairy products can be consumed about 4 servings daily offering better calcium intake for both baby and mother. But avoid unpasteurised mild due to presence of bacteria causing infections.
- You can relish on artificial sweeteners but in moderation.
- Caffeinated products and tea can be drunk only a cup or two every day.
Can medicine be taken? Ask your gynaecologist prior to continue any existing medicines consisting of OTC (over-the-counter) medicines, pain relievers and prescriptions. Otherwise it can end up with birth defects if continued for the initial 3-month of pregnancy.
Can vitamins be taken?
Folic acid can be taken by any pregnant woman in the amount of 400 micrograms (mcg). It deals with the nephron-oriented issue in the baby. For high amount of dose, talk to your doctor. It is advised to take any supplement or vitamins only with doctor’s approval.
How long you should working?
Job and occupation have a big contribution to your health. Late work during pregnancy varies from a person to another. Any radiation-involved task must be avoided while you can continue desk job but not for long. However don’t ever rest the laptop on your belly or uterus. During preterm labour or any other issues you should take complete rest.
What about workout?
Regular exercise is better during pregnancy unless there is any issue. It will relieve discomfort and promotes healthy lifestyle. Daily you should exercise at least for half an hour. Also seeking doctor assistance is better to know about it in explicit manner. Never overdo any exercise and swimming and walking can be continued afterwards.
Staying hydration is important especially post second trimester. But contact spots like basketball and soccer and falling sports like rock climbing and skiing must be avoided. For any unusual symptoms, get in touch with the doctor immediately.
Can you engage in sex?
Engaging in sex is completely safe during pregnancy. Yet it is better to consult with the doctor prior to have sex. The sex interest or drive changes in women in this time as they wish to try on the new positions.
What to do for a better feeling?
Here’s how to manage some common pregnancy side effects:
Morning sickness
Vomiting or nausea feeling is quite common in day especially morning. So, consume small yet frequent meals. Don’t keep the stomach empty from food. Crackers can be your grab-to-go at the time. Doctor consultation is needed if there is weight loss!
Tiredness
During pregnancy, fatigue is usual! Thus, take enough naps and rest. Consult with the doctor when there is any fatigue as it can occur due to anaemia.
Leg cramps
Leg cramps can be managed by staying active. Flex the foot towards knee for stretching the calf. Also stay hydrated during this crucial period.
Constipation
Consume lots of bran cereal, veggies and fruits rich in fibres. Also drink plenty of liquids. Prior to take laxatives consult with the doctor as stool softener can be a better option for you.
Haemorrhoids
Constipation is usual but never strains the bowel movements. Try using wet wipes to clean the area. Warm soaks can be taken as well.
Frequent urination
Frequent urination urge is common during pregnancy. It is the result of hormonal change and as the baby gets matured bladder will be pressurised.
Varicose veins
Don’t wear tight clothes and rest the leg as much as possible. You can request for compression hose or any support from the doctor for easing varicose veins. Standing for long should be avoided too!
Moodiness
Hormonal level is on flickering mood at the time of pregnancy. For any strange feeling, contact to the doctor right away.
Heartburn
Enjoy small meals frequently but say no to acidic, greasy and spicy food. Request for antacids from your doctor and never lie down immediately after eating.
Yeast infections
Vaginal discharge increases at the time of pregnancy. It occurs due to the yeast infections and hence you must see a doctor for any unpleasant odour and discharge.
Bleeding gums
Daily floss and brush your teeth and visit the dentist for professional cleaning frequently. Inform the dentist about your good news instead of cancelling the dental visit at this pertinent time period.
Stuffy nose
Fluctuation in the estrogen (female hormone) results in stuffy nose. It can cause bleeding nose as well.
Edema (fluid retention)
Keep your legs in rest and try to lie on left side during sleeping as it promotes the proper blood circulation in the legs. Water pills or diuretics should be avoided at the same time.
Skin changes
Stretch marks can make the skin reddish. Also the skin around the nipple will become dark as well along emergence of the dark line below navel. As it can’t be avoided but dealt with shea butter lotion and sunscreen greatly. Post-pregnancy it will fade away automatically.
Facts to consider
An endless list of things is there to avoid during pregnancy. Here we have listed some of them for you!
- Quit smoking and avoid being close to such people as it enhances the possibility of health issues like lower birth weight, preterm birth and miscarriage.
- Stop using drugs as marijuana, heroin and cocaine end up with birth defects. Also the baby seems to get addicted to drug after birth, a condition known as neonatal abstinence syndrome.
- Consumption of alcohol can cause foetal alcohol disorder.
- Abstain from consumption of undercooked or raw red meat as it can cause toxoplasmosis- birth defect disease.
- Douche should be stopped as it interrupts the healthy bacteria to clean the vagina.
When doctor visit is a must?
You must visit to the doctor if you experience the following symptoms:
- Vaginal discharge (fluid) or bleeding
- Extreme or sudden swelling in fingers or face
- Severe headaches
- Feeling of vomiting and nausea
- Dizziness
- Blurry or dimmed vision
- Excruciating cramps or pain in the lower abdomen
- Fever or chilling
- Change in the movement of the baby
- Burning sensation during peeing and less urination
- Any infection and illness
- Any other unusual symptoms
What questions can be asked to the doctor?
- Which medicines can be taken at the time of pregnancy?
- When is the right time for starting prenatal vitamin consumption? Which type is best?
- What is the perfect amount of folic acid can be consumed on a daily basis?
- How to deal with swelling?
- How much pounds can be gained at the time of pregnancy?
Now, you are well-versed with the importance of proper lifestyle and gynaecology appointment during pregnancy. Find out a reliable gynaecology clinic nearest you to schedule an appointment for regular checkups. Visit here for more info.