You’re newly pregnant, we congratulate you. Pregnancy is a joyful thing, it’s a great experience which can be daunting at the same time without the right information. Today we’ll be sharing some pregnancy tips.
Hello friends. If you’re newly pregnant, we congratulate you. Pregnancy is a joyful thing, it’s a great experience which can be daunting at the same time without the right information. Today we’ll be sharing some pregnancy tips. First of all, make sure you take a pregnancy test and be absolutely sure you are pregnant. Symptoms can make you suspect but a pregnancy test is what gives the confirmation. Now make sure you’re taking prenatal vitamins that contains folic acid. Folic acid is essential while trying to conceive and in the first trimester. It reduces the risk of spinal bifida and neural tube problems. Equally important is finding a good health care provider. Ask for referrals ans people’s experiences before choosing a particular doctor. Make sure they know their stuff and you are comfortable there.
Once you have identified a good doctor, you need to register. Around 6 to 8 weeks is when most doctors will see you properly and do a first scan to check your growing baby. This scan can also help determine if you are carrying multiple babies. Also make sure you know the date of your last period as it will help to determine your due date. A scan at this visit also known as a dating scan can give an accurate pointer as to when the baby is due. A good doctor will want to find out your medical history at your first visit. They will also run some routine tests e.g HIV, malaria, blood test for blood group, genotype, screen for syphilis, and screen for hepatitis. Make sure you inform your health provider of any drugs you might be taking. Most drugs are not safe especially in the first trimester. Some medication have safe alternatives and your doctor can advise best on this.
If you smoke or drink, now is the time to drop the habits and pick up healthier ones. Actually you should have stopped earlier if the pregnancy was planned. Cut down on caffeine as studies have linked excessive caffeine to miscarriage and other pregnancy problems. Avoid chemicals, pesticides, cleaning products etc. You should also avoid heavy lifting and if your work requires exposure to chemicals, you might need a routine change. Avoid foods that could contain bacteria, parasites, or toxins – including undercooked meat, unpasteurized soft cheeses, anything that contains raw eggs, sushi made with raw fish, raw oysters and other shellfish, fish that’s high in mercury, and raw sprouts. Eat deli-style salads with caution (especially those containing protein, like egg, chicken, ham, and seafood), hot dogs and luncheon meats, and smoked meats and meat spreads. Eat healthy foods like nuts, yogurts, fruits and pasta. If you do have morning sickness, we empathise with you. It should get better by the second trimester. To help with morning sickness or nausea, try to eat small frequent meals, also try eating bland foods. Ginger might help some women. If it is so bad, you might want to ask your doctor for pregnancy safe anti nausea medication.