Once your pregnancy is confirmed, you will want to follow up with your doctor for an initial prenatal visit.
If you do not already have an OB-GYN or family practice doctor, a list of quality area physicians will be provided to you. At each doctor’s visit you will have your weight, blood pressure and urine checked. The doctor will continue to monitor the health and development of your baby throughout your pregnancy. Routine tests will be performed during your pregnancy to rule out complications. Most doctors order a diagnostic ultrasound midway through your pregnancy. Doctors usually suggest that you continue normal activity such as work and light exercise, provided there are no health concerns for you or your baby.
Things to be aware of during your pregnancy.
Self-Care
While you’re pregnant, you need to make sure you are taking care of yourself and the baby:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Take prenatal vitamins with a meal.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
- Do not try to lose weight during your pregnancy.
- Get plenty of calcium, iron and protein.
- Avoid alcohol, marijuana, nicotine and opiates.
- Get plenty of rest—naps can help.
- Do not take any medications unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
- Doctors usually suggest that you continue normal activity such as work and light exercise, provided there are no health concerns for you or your baby.
Complications
If you have any of the following physical problems, call your doctor or go to the emergency department right away:
- Vaginal bleeding of any amount
- Severe abdominal pain or cramping
- Cramping and abdominal pain more than your period
- Burning with urination
- Severe headaches
- Swelling in your hands or face
- Excessive vomiting
- Fever
- Leaking fluid vaginally
Any of the above symptoms could indicate serious complications and should be addressed by a medical professional immediately.
TO HELP MANAGE NAUSEA
Eat small frequent meals, keep something in your stomach at all times, and stay hydrated. Nausea usually subsides after the first trimester.
Doctor’s Visits
At each doctor’s visit you will have your weight, blood pressure and urine checked. The doctor will continue to monitor the health and development of your baby throughout your pregnancy.
- Routine tests will be performed during your pregnancy to rule out complications.
- Most doctors order a diagnostic ultrasound midway through your pregnancy
Blood Type
Knowing your blood type is very important if you are pregnant, even if you have a miscarriage, an ectopic pregnancy or an abortion. Those with an Rh-negative blood type need a RhoGAM injection within 72 hours of vaginal bleeding to protect future pregnancies.1,2
How many weeks am I?
It can be confusing during the early weeks because pregnancy (which is an average of 40 weeks long) is measured from the first day of your last menstrual period. Even though you likely ovulated and conceived two weeks after the first day of your period, those two extra weeks prior to conception are added to calculate your gestational age.
