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From the moment your pregnancy test comes back positive, your life is forever changed. It’s likely that you’re experiencing a multitude of emotions, from excitement and pride to fear and anxiety. These feelings are completely normal, especially during your first pregnancy.
The good news is that your fear and anxiety may subside as your pregnancy progresses, particularly if you take good care of yourself. And ensuring a healthy pregnancy, for both yourself and your new baby, starts with quality prenatal care.
Prenatal care involves everything from visits with your doctor or nurse-midwife to eating healthy foods, staying active, and eschewing bad habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol. You should also do your best to avoid stressful situations and relax as often as possible throughout your pregnancy. First-time expectant mothers should also seek out support from friends and family, especially those who already have children. And don’t be afraid to ask questions, whether those queries are related to the birthing process, expected weight gain, maternity clothes, or something else entirely.
Keep in mind, however, that you’re likely to get a plethora of advice in every stage of pregnancy, from loved ones and strangers alike, and it may not always be accurate. Some of your best resources for pregnancy-related information are your local library, healthcare providers, and trustworthy websites.
Pregnancy Stages and Milestones
Generally speaking, pregnancies are usually discovered between two and four weeks following a missed period. The first three months of pregnancy are called the first trimester, and this stage is considered the most critical when it comes to your baby’s health. As soon as you have a positive pregnancy test in hand, the real work starts. On the same day, make an appointment with a pregnancy healthcare provider, and start identifying areas where your health can be improved.
Maintaining a healthy diet is imperative to the proper development of your growing fetus, and vitamins are an essential component of your pregnancy diet. Vitamin deficiency can lead to birth defects, low birth weight, and other frightening complications, so be sure to make natural prenatal vitamins part of your daily routine.
In our digital age, it’s easier than ever to track every stage of pregnancy. First-time and seasoned mothers alike should take advantage of one of the numerous helpful pregnancy apps available for both Apple and Android. From your smartphone, you can access expert pregnancy advice, interactive tools that track your baby’s growth, and much more. Having these types of resources at your fingertips can give you peace of mind on those days when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
How Bad Habits Impact Your Baby’s Health
Another integral factor where the health of your baby is concerned is the use of drugs and medications, both prescribed and illicit. If you’re taking any prescription or over the counter (OTC), tell your healthcare provider on your first visit. Some types of prescription and OTC medication can harm your developing baby and should be avoided during pregnancy, including opioids and acetaminophen.
Illegal drugs and alcohol, however, pose the greatest threat to in-utero development. For example, consuming alcohol during pregnancy is linked to serious conditions lifelong developmental disorders, mental illness, physical development issues, and birth defects. As alcohol is socially accepted and widely available, the practice is unfortunately common at every stage of pregnancy.
According to legal professionals, around 8.5% of women surveyed in 2013 admitted to drinking “at some point during their pregnancy.” Depending on where you live, using alcohol and/or illicit substances while pregnant may also be illegal. To avoid being charged with endangerment or child abuse, expectant mothers should implement a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to drugs and alcohol.
Keeping Your Body Strong and Healthy
Self-care should be a priority for all women, regardless of age or fertility status. But taking care of yourself during pregnancy is especially important, as your body is working hard to provide for another life.
Your first visit with a pregnancy healthcare provider will include a health assessment, and you’ll be asked about your medical history. Be as honest and thorough as possible, and make sure to disclose any health-related issues that could potentially harm your baby.
Along with disclosing drug or alcohol use and any chronic conditions you may have, let your healthcare provider know if you have ever contracted an STD. It’s also a good idea to get screened for STDs when you’re pregnant, as these types of infections can be passed to your unborn child during pregnancy or delivery. Complications associated with STDs include preterm delivery, low birth weight, and even miscarriage.
While medical professionals play an important role in ensuring a safe, healthy, and natural pregnancy, most aspects of your healthcare rest in your hands. And even though your first pregnancy can be overwhelming, it’s easy to make good decisions. Dropping bad habits, taking prenatal vitamins, and making time for self-care are the cornerstones of a great first pregnancy and successful delivery.
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