Health

­By Dean Madison, MD

Congratulations – you’re pregnant! Expectant parents have many things to consider while preparing for a healthy pregnancy and baby. Between trips to your healthcare provider and setting up the perfect nursery, it is important to spend time enjoying this wonderful and amazing journey. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the newest member of your family.

Record when your pregnancy occurred. The date of your last menstrual cycle will be one of the first questions your healthcare provider asks – and will help determine your delivery date.

Prepare your body for pregnancy. There are several things you should do right away, including taking a prenatal vitamin. Prenatal supplements contain multiple vitamins and minerals important to your baby’s development, including folic acid.

You should also be aware or any medical conditions you have, and share them with your healthcare provider. Your physician or midwife can help identify any medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, which may need to be managed during pregnancy.

Consult your physician or midwife before taking any over-the-counter medications or herbal remedies.

It is never too early to maintain a healthy diet. A healthy diet is key to a healthy pregnancy.

Purify bad habits. Do not drink alcohol while you are pregnant. Don’t smoke during pregnancy and try to avoid second-hand smoke as well.

Exercise – maintaining a regular exercise routine throughout your pregnancy can help you stay healthy and feel your best. If you were physically active before your pregnancy, you should be able to continue your favorite activities. Don’t try to exercise at your former level; instead, do what’s most comfortable for you now. When exercising, consider choosing low impact aerobics versus high impact. Try to keep your heart rate under 140 beats per minute. And, as always, talk with your healthcare provider before beginning an exercise program. Your physician or midwife can give you personal exercise guidelines, based on your medical history.

Don’t forget your Zzzzz’s! Be sure to get plenty of rest throughout your pregnancy. Try to sleep on your left side as often as possible, this position provides the best circulation to your baby and helps reduce swelling.

Eat several small meals a day. Nausea, stomach upset and morning sickness are common during pregnancy. Some of the foods you normally love may not sit as well with you now. Be prepared to substitute other nutritious foods. Also, try to eat five or six small meals a day instead of three large ones.

Consider writing a birth plan. A birth plan will help you clarify what you want or need for your birth experience. Remember, the birth plan will serve as a guide through your delivery experience, understand that things can change during the course of labor, and be prepared for the unexpected. A birth plan should include your thoughts on things like pain control, who you would like in the delivery room and newborn feeding preferences. Talk early on with your healthcare provider, he or she want to be proactively involved in helping you craft the right birth plan for you.

Take some classes. Today parents-to-be have a variety of childbirth and parenting education classes available locally. Classes range from the childbirth experience to breastfeeding and parenting or grandparenting education. These classes are a great opportunity to learn more about your pregnancy and new baby as well as meet other parents-to-be.

See your healthcare provider regularly. During your pregnancy your physician or midwife will regularly check your weight, take your blood pressure, measure your baby-bump, listen for the heartbeat and run a urine test. Be sure to make all your appointments. While these quick office visits may seem routine, they are vital to you and your baby’s health. Use this time to ask any questions you have about your pregnancy. Be sure to find out if any screenings or genetic tests are right for you.

Taking medications during labor for pain management is OK. Epidural and spinal blocks are common choices for pain management, talk to your healthcare provider to discuss what options are right for you. An epidural works by alleviating most pain in the lower body without significantly slowing labor. It can be used continuously throughout labor and you’ll remain awake and alert.A spinal block provides complete pain relief from the chest down for up to two hours. This medication is usually given only once. You’ll remain awake and alert.

Enjoy the journey – relax and enjoy the fact you will soon welcome a new member to your family! Taking care of yourself is the best thing you can do for your baby. If you have any questions or concerns along the way, contact your physician or midwife. Your healthcare provider is excited to be on this path with you and is always available to answer any questions you may have.