All women should have a well woman checkup every year, even if they are not pregnant and do not require a Pap smear. During these sessions, you can ask questions about any health issues you may have, get a pelvic exam, and talk about changes in your family history.
If you’re thinking about starting a family, there are some blood tests that might help spot any potential genetic issues that could result in congenital differences later on.
As soon as you find out you’re pregnant, make sure to give your healthcare provider a call to kick off your prenatal care. Your doctor can use this to spot any potential problems, such as infections or conditions that might lead to complications for you or your baby on the way.
Getting routine blood work done can help find out if you’re protected against rubella (German measles) or if you have any infections like chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, or HIV. These things can really affect your pregnancy. You’ll also have regular ultrasounds as part of your prenatal care plan. Your doctor can use these tests to check for any developmental issues and keep an eye on how the fetus is growing.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
Once you find out you’re pregnant, it’s a good idea to have conversations with your doctor about starting a daily prenatal vitamin that has folic acid and other essential nutrients. Folic acid, which is a type of B vitamin known as folate, plays a crucial role in preventing brain and spinal birth defects like anencephaly and spina bifida.
For advice on how to select the best prenatal vitamin for you, ask your OB/GYN for samples and suggestions of several brands and varieties. Some pregnant individuals might require more folic acid than others. You might want to consider adding some foods like fortified cereal, pasta, leafy greens, and citrus to your diet since they can be rich in folic acid or folate. It’s a good idea to discuss with your healthcare provider about increasing your intake of these nutrient-packed options.
If you’re thinking about getting pregnant, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor about which prenatal vitamin is right for you and how much folic acid you should be taking. You usually want to stick to about 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid each day. It’s best not to go over that unless your doctor says you should take more.
Practice Infection Prevention
Pregnancy increases your risk of contracting specific infections. Serious illness and congenital problems like microcephaly or hearing loss can result from some of these diseases. You can take a number of actions to reduce your chance of getting infections, such as:
- When you are pregnant, stay away from places where there is a high danger of infections like Zika.
- Steer clear of soft, unpasteurized cheeses and deli meats to reduce your risk of catching listeria, an illness that typically results from eating tainted food and manifests as fever and other flu-like symptoms.
- Avoid cat litter if you want to avoid toxoplasmosis, a dangerous parasite-caused illness that can harm embryonic organs. Use gloves and wash your hands well after cleaning your cat’s box if you have.
- Steer clear of rodents like guinea pigs, mice, and hamsters. In severe circumstances, the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, which these animals may carry, can cause meningitis, encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain.
- Don’t take chances with food that has been in the refrigerator or on the kitchen counter for an extended period of time, and keep a watch out for food recalls.
- During pregnancy, always maintain proper hygiene. Wash your hands frequently, especially after handling raw foods or vegetables, playing with kids, visiting the restroom, or handling pets.
Make Sure Your Vaccinations are Up To Date
Contracting an infection such as rubella during pregnancy may result in inadequate fetal growth, cardiac difficulties, auditory impairment, or developmental disorders. Chickenpox may elevate the chance of miscarriage, ocular damage, limb anomalies, blindness, or cognitive impairments; therefore, it is crucial to ensure that you are updated with the essential immunizations.
Before conception, see your OB/GYN on your vaccination history to receive any essential immunizations that are contraindicated during pregnancy, such as the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine. Upon becoming pregnant, it is crucial to remain timely with vaccinations such as the Tdap vaccine (to safeguard against adult tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis), as well as immunizations for influenza, hepatitis B, or any others that may be necessary if traveling abroad during pregnancy.
Staying Active
Maintaining physical activity is essential for overall health and can alleviate stress, enhance circulation, and elevate mood. It may also promote improved sleep quality. Research indicates that exercise has numerous advantages for a healthy pregnancy, including a reduction in the incidence of preeclampsia.
Join a pregnancy fitness class or engage in a daily walk of at least 15 to 20 minutes at a moderate pace, preferably in cool, shady environments or indoors to avoid overheating.
Pilates, yoga, swimming, and walking are beneficial activities for most pregnant individuals; nevertheless, it is essential to see a healthcare physician prior to initiating any fitness regimen. Strive for 30 minutes of physical activity on the majority of days per week. Heed your body’s signals, but refrain from excessive exertion.
Discuss All Medications and Supplements With Your Doctor
It is advisable to inform your healthcare providers about the medications and supplements you are using, particularly during pregnancy. The substances ingested during the initial 12 weeks of pregnancy are crucial, as the fetus’s essential organs are forming during this period. Numerous drugs remain untested for safety during pregnancy, while others include known negative effects that may harm the heart or brain.
Compile a comprehensive inventory of any over-the-counter and prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are currently consuming, and consult with your OB/GYN promptly upon confirming your pregnancy. It is advisable to review your list during a routine OB/GYN appointment if you are attempting to conceive.
Your healthcare provider may recommend alternate therapies, reduced dosages, or advise discontinuation of the medicine entirely. It is imperative to consult your healthcare provider before initiating or discontinuing any drug, regardless of your pregnancy status.
After Birth
Practice Kegels
Kegel exercises are a widely recommended advice for pregnancy. Kegel exercises fortify the pelvic floor muscles that sustain the bladder, intestines, and uterus. If executed properly, this straightforward practice can facilitate your delivery and mitigate future issues with incontinence.
The most advantageous aspect: It is imperceptible to others, allowing you to perform Kegel exercises discreetly in the car, at your desk, or while waiting in line at the grocery store.
Here is the procedure for executing them:
- Engage in contractions as if you are inhibiting the urinary stream during restroom use.
- Hold for three seconds, then release for three.
- Execute ten sets for a complete set.
Conclusion
These suggestions may also be beneficial for individuals contemplating pregnancy, even if they are not currently expecting. Implementing modifications at this juncture will facilitate the adaptation to new lifestyle patterns. You will provide your infant with the optimal foundation for life and serve as a healthy role model for your family throughout their lives.
To have a good pregnancy, you need to eat right, get regular checkups, and learn how to deal with stress. Every pregnant woman needs professional care and individualized support as she goes through this process. Dr. Sarah Asif and her team at Algyna Clinic offer the best reproductive and maternity care, making sure you get the best help at every stage of your pregnancy. Go to Algyna.com to find out more about the services they offer and to schedule an appointment right away!