Prenatal health is healthcare during pregnancy. Pregnancy means taking care of yourself and your baby which is highly important since the beginning. Regular tests and check-ups with the doctor will keep both the mother and future baby healthy and will improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy with a full-term baby. The doctor will monitor the mother’s health, baby’s development and find any possible problems to avoid in the future. These routine check-ups help new moms-to-be to ask variety of questions related to pregnancy and the baby. The first prenatal check-up usually reveals the due date according to your LMP (Last Menstrual Period).

So here is how you can protect yourself and your baby to be as healthy as possible:

Routine Visits & Prenatal Tests

The first pre-natal check-up will be scheduled between 6^th and 8^th week, if the pregnancy is normal without any complication. During the span of pregnancy, the Obstetrician/Gynecologist will keep a record of patient’s body weight, blood pressure and growth of the baby in each trimester.

Prenatal tests are screening and diagnostic tests which help to identify health problems that could affect pregnancy or unborn babies. The tests are given in the first, second and third trimesters to determine key things about mother and baby’s health. They identify curable health problems in the baby, baby’s size and gender, position in the uterus and also examine any birth defect or genetic problem. The tests include blood, urine, glucose, cervical tests with one or two ultrasounds as required. The doctor will also measure the size of the fetus to see if it is growing normally or not. Baby’s heartbeat is also monitored between 10-12 weeks. There are some non-routine pre-natal tests as well for high-risk pregnancies.

Diet, Nutrition and Supplements

Pregnancy means gaining healthy weight. According to The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), the normal pregnancy weight gain should be around 25 to 35pounds. Being over or underweight might be a problem as well so, asking the doctor about your diet is really important. Doctors recommend a healthy diet for pregnant women with around 300 calories a day. As, there are two people now who need food and nourishment to grow, it is significant for the mother to have a balanced diet including all food groups like dairy, protein, carbs, fruits and vegetables, grains every day. Apart from diet, the doctor prescribe supplements like iron, folic acid and calcium which are required more for pregnant women. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Take400 Micrograms of Folic Acid Every Day. Folic acid is a B vitamin. If a woman has enough folic acid in her body at least 1 month before and during pregnancy, it can helpprevent major birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine.” Some foods like raw or uncooked egg, unpasteurized milk and cheese are to be avoided in pregnancy in addition to alcohol, drugs and high-caffeinated drinks.

Physical changes

During pregnancy, women get through a lot of physical changes like weight gain, nausea and vomiting, swelling, pains, uneasiness, lack of sleep, backache, loss of appetite, frequent urination, shortness of breath, heartburn and many more. These physical changes are very common during pregnancy to a particular trimester of pregnancy. You just need to discuss it with your doctor and take advice and get through it normally.

Vaccinations

Pregnancy also includes to have precautionary vaccinations like flu shot. As per your doctor’s recommendation, some vaccinations are best at certain times and some aren’t during pregnancy. Having the right vaccination at the right time can help the mother and the baby to be healthy and avoid to get sick or have lifelong health problem.

Taking Fluids

Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the pregnancy will reduce the chances of dehydration and constipations.  Not having enough to drink can affect the health of the mother and eventually the baby.  It is recommended to drink at least six to eight medium (200ml) glasses of fluid a day during pregnancy.

Exercise

It is a big misconception that being pregnant means one has to rest all the time and requires no physical exercise. In fact, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. If you don’t like to exercise, what you can simply do is go for a half-an hour walk in the morning or evening to increase blood circulation which will keep you active all day long. Exercise will not only prevent excess weight gain, prepare your body for labor, increase energy and boost mood but also reduce pregnancy-related issues. Yoga is also a good form of exercise in pregnancy but keep in mind to exercise under the supervision of a trainer to avoid any sort of injury.

Sleep

Sleeping is very important in pregnancy and is difficult for most of the women. As the size of the tummy increases, it gets more uncomfortable to sleep in a particular position. Generally, doctors recommend to sleep on either side with a pillow between the legs, below belly or under the back to provide support to the back.

Mental Health

Pregnancy is a crucial period for the mother and the family. During pregnancy, the mother not only needs doctor’s help but also husband’s and family support. Primarily, it is the husbands responsibility to take care of the mom-to-be and to keep her mentally happy and healthy. Some women experience depression, anxiety and stress during pregnancy. Heightened emotions lead to mood swings which are a part of pregnancy. At this point, the husband should understand his partner’s feelings and help her to cheer up and feel pleasant.

Conclusion

Having a healthy pregnancy is a blessing. Once you are pregnant, make sure you take care of yourself as there would be physical and emotional ups and downs due to changing hormones. Make sure you are on top of all your prenatal appointments and follow the doctor's instructions for the safety and health of yourself and your baby.