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These 40 weeks of pregnancy period
is the most precious period in any woman's life.
The most important thing in this period is maintain
a good health for both you and the baby.
Signs/Symptoms
As the baby grows, your body will go through many
changes.
- You may have nausea and vomiting during
early pregnancy.
- Your breasts will get larger and can make
you uncomfortable.
- Red marks called stretch marks may show
up on your skin.
- You may have back and leg pain from the
weight of the growing baby.
- You may have mood changes going from joy
to mild depression. These changes are normal;
but talk to your doctor if you are depressed
all the time.
Prenatal Care
Getting good prenatal care is very important
so that you will not have any problem during child
birth and pregnancy. You need to checkup with
your doctor and any necessary medical care before
your baby is born. You will probably have a pelvic
exam (also called an ""internal'') during your
first visit. Your doctor will check the size and
shape of your uterus. A Pap smear to check for
cancer of the cervix (the opening of the uterus)
also may be done on the first visit, along with
blood and urine tests. Your doctor will want to
see you monthly during your pregnancy period.
During the last 8 weeks, your visits will be more
frequent. At each visit, you will be weighed and
have your blood pressure checked. Your urine will
be tested and the baby's growth will be checked.
At some visits you may get an ultrasound, a painless
test that shows the baby's growth and helps determine
the due date. You may also need additional blood
tests during the pregnancy.
What you should Eat
- Focus on healthy foods. What you eat feeds
both you and the baby.
Choose from each of these food groups every
day:
- Fruits and vegetables.
- Whole-grain breads and cereals.
- Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, and
beans.
- Milk and milk products and cheese.
- Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses (soda-can
sized) of liquids such as milk, water, or
juice. Cut down on drinks that have caffeine
in them such as coffee, tea, and cola.
- Although you should get as many vitamins
as possible from what you eat, your doctor
may still want you to take daily vitamins
and iron pills. The iron pills can cause constipation,
so remember to drink liquids, eat good foods,
and exercise.
- Your doctor will tell you about how much
weight you should gain. Too much or too little
weight gain can harm your baby. This is not
the time to go on a diet.
Exercise
Regular exercise during pregnancy is important.
It will help you feel better and keep you in good
physical shape, making your labor and delivery
easier. Start exercising slowly if you weren't
active before pregnancy. Walking and swimming
are great choices. Don't do any exercise that
could hurt you or the baby. Check with your doctor
if you are not sure whether an exercise is safe.
What to wear
Wear loose, comfortable garments. Wearing flat
or low-heeled shoes may help you keep your balance.
Sex
You can have sex until shortly before your
labor starts unless there are complications. Your
doctor may tell you to limit or not have sex if
you are bleeding from the vagina or having pain
in your abdomen or vagina.
Working will be Best Exercise
If you are healthy, you can work until just
before labor. Check with your doctor if you work
around poisonous or harmful substances. After
delivery, your doctor will let you know when you
can return to work.
Keep away from smoking and alcohol
Your baby may weigh less at birth if you smoke
during pregnancy. Smoking also increases the chances
of your baby being born too early or not growing
well. Do not smoke tobacco or marijuana during
pregnancy.
Even do not drink alcohol while pregnant. Alcohol
can cause birth defects and other problems. Your
baby will have a better chance of being born healthy
if you stop drinking now.
Medicines
Do not take any medicine without first checking
with your doctor. This includes drugs that can
be bought over-the-counter such as aspirin or
acetaminophen.
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