Some doctors recommend a preconception visit if you are planning to become pregnant in the near future. This visit allows your physician to assess your overall health, and to recommend lifestyle changes that may improve your chances for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Once you have become pregnant, you can anticipate monthly prenatal visits during the first seven months of an uncomplicated pregnancy. Beginning in the eighth month, visits are typically every two weeks and will become weekly from the ninth month through delivery.
The average length of pregnancy is approximately 280 days, or 40 weeks. Your doctor will most likely calculate your due date during your first prenatal visit by determining the first day of your last menstrual period, adding seven days and nine months.
Few women actually give birth on their exact due date. About 80 percent of babies are born within ten days of the due date. That’s a fairly large window, beginning ten days before the due date and extending out ten days after the due date. A pregnancy lasting between 38 and 42 weeks is considered full term.
Weight gain during pregnancy depends on several factors, including your pre-pregnancy weight and body mass index (BMI). Your health and your baby’s health also play a role. Gaining the right amount of weight not only supports your baby’s health, but makes it easier to shed the extra pounds after delivery.
A woman of average size with an average-sized baby–and eating a well-balanced diet–will gain anywhere from 20-35 pounds. It is important that you do not attempt to diet while you are expecting.
Unless you have a medical reason causing you to avoid it, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes on most, if not all, days of the week. However, exercising even three or four days a week for at least 20 minutes can offer health benefits. Exercise during pregnancy can help lessen the backaches, constipation, bloating, and swelling associated with pregnancy. It also can help you sleep better, boost your energy level, and improve your overall health, as well as help prevent pregnancy-related forms of diabetes and high blood pressure.
You should feel free to call your physician with any questions or concerns. However, you should call immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Throughout your pregnancy, staying away from potentially harmful foods and drinks is as important as choosing healthy ones. Use caution when handling raw meat and fish, and as always, wash your hands and work area thoroughly after preparation. In general, it is fine to eat meats as long as they are fully cooked.
Diary products such as skim milk, most cheeses, and cottage cheese are an important part of a health diet. But steer clear of unpasteurized products, which can lead to food-borne illness.
Seafood can be an important source of protein and iron, but you should stay away from those types of fish that contain high levels of mercury and avoid all raw fish and shellfish.
Expectant mothers should avoid alcohol and limit their intake of caffeine.
When taking over-the-counter medications, use acetaminophen (Tylenol) rather than aspirin or ibuprofen. In the case of antibiotics, some are generally considered safe to take throughout pregnancy, while others pose known risks to a developing fetus and should be avoided. The potential risk of the drug should be carefully weighed against the potential harmful effects of the condition if left untreated.
Be sure to tell any doctor you consult with that you are pregnant, so this can be considered in treatment decisions. Check with your doctor if you have concerns about taking medications of any kind during your pregnancy.
Initially, you will likely maintain your normal sleeping position until the enlargement of your uterus and abdomen may make that position uncomfortable. After the 24th week, you should avoid sleeping on your back because your uterus may compress arteries and affect your blood pressure. Many women revert to sleeping on either side with a pillow propped under the knee and leg for support.
If you are in good health, your pregnancy should not be high risk, although there is greater chance for some problems, including maternal diabetes and chromosomal (genetic) abnormalities. Several screening options are available, and you should talk with your doctor to help you determine if you wish to be screened for chromosomal abnormalities in your baby.
Beyond age 40, there begins to be a higher risk for other pregnancy complications, but your doctor can evaluate and advise you of any risks.