Pregnancy causes many physical changes to a woman as the baby grows and women need to take extra steps during their pregnancy to stay healthy.
Every woman’s pregnancy is different, which is why regular checkups with your doctor at a family clinic in Nashville, like Cape Sierra Family Clinic, are important to you and your baby’s health.
Prenatal care for pregnant women
Prenatal care means having regular checkups with a doctor throughout your pregnancy. The typical prenatal visit schedule is usually:
- Every 4 to 6 weeks for the first 32 weeks
- Every 2 to 3 weeks from the 32nd to the 37th week
- Every week from the 37th week until the baby is born
If your pregnancy is considered high-risk, your doctor may suggest more frequent checkups.
During these appointments, your doctor may:
- Update your medical history
- Check your weight and blood pressure
- Test your urine
- Check for swelling
- Feel your stomach to check the baby’s position
- Measure the growth of your stomach
- Check the baby’s heartbeat
- Give you recommended vaccines
Nutrition and supplements for pregnant women
Eating a healthy diet is very important for a safe and healthy pregnancy. You need to eat healthy, balanced meals to get the right nutrients for both you and your baby.
Calories
To get the calories you need, include the following in your diet:
- Lean meats
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Low-fat dairy products
Calcium
Pregnant women need a lot of calcium to support the baby’s growth. You should include calcium-rich foods in your diet, such as:
- Low-fat dairy products, like milk, cheese, and yogurt
- Foods with added calcium, such as soy milk and cereals
- Dark green vegetables, like kale, spinach, and broccoli
- Almonds
- Dried beans
- Tofu
Iron
Your body uses iron to create hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in red blood cells. Without enough iron, your body can’t produce enough red blood cells, which affects the oxygen supply to your organs and tissues. Therefore, pregnant women need enough iron for themselves and their growing baby. You should include the following in your diet:
- Red meat
- Salmon
- Eggs
- Enriched grains
- Dried fruits
- Dark leafy green vegetables
- Iron-fortified cereals
Folic acid
With your doctor’s approval, you should take folic acid for at least one month before getting pregnant and throughout the first three months of pregnancy. This can lower the risk of birth defects that affect the baby’s brain and spinal cord, such as spina bifida. Your doctor can suggest a multivitamin with the right amount of folic acid.
Healthy fats, not saturated fats
Your diet should also include foods with healthy fats, like nuts, seeds, fatty fish, and vegetable oils. During pregnancy, you need more omega-3 fatty acids to help your baby’s brain and tissues grow.
Limiting caffeine intake
While consuming a small amount of caffeine during pregnancy is generally considered safe, it is important to limit your intake. Consult with your doctor to determine an appropriate amount for you and your baby.
Stay hydrated
Increasing your water intake during pregnancy is essential. Water plays a vital role in transporting nutrients throughout your body. Adequate hydration also helps to prevent dehydration and constipation.
Lifestyle adjustments for pregnant women
Adopting certain lifestyle practices can contribute to a safe and healthy pregnancy:
- Engage in regular exercise.
- Ensure you get sufficient rest.
- Consult your doctor before taking any new medication, vitamin, or supplement.
- If you are on prescription medication, discuss with your doctor whether it is safe to continue during pregnancy.
- Avoid smoking, vaping, and consuming alcohol.
- Limit climbing stairs.
- Avoid exposure to chemicals, such as household cleaners, pesticides, and paints.
By following these guidelines and having regular visits with your family clinic doctor in Nashville, you can support a safe and healthy pregnancy for both you and your baby.
Cape Sierra Family Clinic in Nashville, TN can help with pregnancies and other medical issues. Talk with them today to help you and your baby stay healthy.
