What You Need To Know About Pregnancy Care Waco

By Anna Wallace


Pregnancy or prenatal care is essential. The way you treat yourself when you are pregnant will show results on your infant. There are several things you should do once you find out that you are expecting a baby. By prioritizing on pregnancy care Waco dwellers can keep themselves and their baby healthy.

One of the things to do when you are expecting an infant is to consult with an obstetrician. This doctor will discuss about your previous medical experiences. He or she will also take your weight and blood pressure during each visit. During your initial visit, the doctor may also perform a pelvic exam to examine the shape and size of your uterus and a Pap smear if your due date for cervical cancer screening has passed.

The doctor will also perform a blood and urine test. The urine test is used to check for high protein and sugar levels, which could be symptoms of preeclampsia and diabetes respectively. The urine test is also used to check for bacteria. Blood tests are performed to check your blood type, infectious diseases, low iron levels and blood cell count.

The addition of weight is vital during pregnancy. Your doctor will advise you on the weight you should add during this period. A pregnant woman can add about 25 to 30 pounds. Underweight women should add more weight once they are pregnant while those who are overweight do not need to add any more weight once they get pregnant.

Your diet plays a vital role in the development of the fetus. It is therefore essential to follow a balanced diet. You should be careful not eat fish, eggs and meat that are not well cooked because they could place you at a risk of getting infected. It is also important to avoid eating tile fish, king mackerel, swordfish and shark because they may have high mercury levels that could hurt the fetus. Eating four or more servings of foods rich in calcium daily is important. These foods will offer more calcium for you and the fetus. A physician or dietician can assist you to get a proper diet chart to ensure that your baby will be healthy.

Taking about 400 micrograms of folic acid each day is also important. Folic acid helps to prevent problems that may affect the central nervous system of your baby. Folic acid will also prevent other birth defects. It is advisable for you to start supplementing your diet with folic acid prior to getting pregnant.

If you need to take any medicines when pregnant, you should consult with your doctor to determine if they are safe. This includes pain relievers and other non prescription medications. Some medications can cause birth defects, particularly when you take them during the initial trimester of pregnancy.

Another aspect of pregnancy care is engaging in regular exercise. It is advisable to perform yoga, walking and deep breathing. Getting thirty minutes of exercise daily will assist you to cope with emotional or physical stress. Exercise can also make labor and delivery much easier. These tips will assist you to go through this crucial stage of life well.




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