Things to consider
There are several things you should avoid while you’re pregnant. Take notice to follow this list of warnings. Talk to your doctor if you need help.
- Don’t smoke or be around people who do smoke. Smoking raises your risk for miscarriage, preterm birth, low birth weight, and other health problems.
- Don’t use drugs. Cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and other drugs increase your risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and birth defects. Your baby could be born addicted to the drug you’ve been abusing. This is called neonatal abstinence syndrome. It can cause severe health problems for your baby.
- Don’t drink alcohol. Drinking alcohol is the major cause of preventable birth defects, including fetal alcohol disorder.
- Don’t clean your cat’s litter box or eat raw or undercooked red meat. You could get toxoplasmosis, a disease that can cause birth defects.
- Don’t douche. Your vagina doesn’t require cleansing in addition to normal bathing. Douching disrupts the helpful bacteria that keep your vagina clean.
Path to improved health
Schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as you find out you’re pregnant. Your doctor will start by reviewing your medical history. He or she also will want to know about your symptoms. During this first appointment, urine and blood samples will be taken. Urine tests check for bacteria, high sugar levels (which can be a sign of diabetes), and high protein levels (which can be a sign for preeclampsia, a type of high blood pressure during pregnancy). Blood tests check for blood cell count, blood type, low iron levels (anemia) and infectious diseases (such as syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis).
The doctor also may do other tests at your first visit. These may vary based on your background and risk for problems. Tests can include:
- A pelvic exam to check the size and shape of your uterus (womb)
- A Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer
- An ultrasound to view your baby’s growth and position (An ultrasound uses sound waves to create an image of your baby on a video screen.)
After your first visit, you will have a prenatal visit every 4 weeks. In months 7 and 8, you will have a visit every 2 weeks. In your last month of pregnancy, the visits will occur weekly until you deliver your baby. At each visit, the doctor will check your weight and blood pressure and test your urine. The doctor will listen to your baby’s heartbeat and measure the height of your uterus after the 20th week. You should always discuss any issues or concerns you have with your doctor.
When to see a doctor
- Blood or fluid coming from your vagina.
- Sudden or extreme swelling of your face or fingers.
- Headaches that are severe or won’t go away.
- Nausea and vomiting that won’t go away.
- Less urine or burning when you urinate.
- Dim or blurry vision.
- Severe pain or cramps in your lower abdomen.
- A change in your baby’s movements
- An illness or infection.
- Chills or fever
- Dizziness
- Any other symptoms that bother you.
