Pregnancy is a special time, and extra care must be taken to ensure your health and the health of your baby. That's why it's so critical that you keep all of your prenatal appointments with your doctor. During the first seven months, your doctor will want to see you about once every four weeks. During month eight, he or she will want to see you every other week. And during month nine, you should plan on weekly visits.
Prenatal checkups allow your doctor to monitor the growth and health of your baby, track your blood pressure, glucose levels and other vital stats, and answer any questions or concerns you may have about the changes taking place inside your body. Proper prenatal care helps lower your baby's risk for birth defects and ensures your health throughout the term of your pregnancy.
Of course, prenatal doctor visits are only one part of the prenatal care equation. Your diet and lifestyle choices will also go a long way to ensuring a healthy pregnancy.
Tips for Dealing with Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is a fairly common problem among women during the first trimester of pregnancy, when hormone levels can fluctuate wildly. Fortunately, most cases of morning sickness subside after about the 13th week.
Many women find relief from morning sickness by changing their eating habits. Smaller meals, eaten more frequently, help keep the stomach from becoming empty and maintain consistent blood glucose levels.
If you feel sick right away in the morning, try eating a slice of toast, crackers or dry cereal before getting up. And if smells bother you, avoid foods with pungent odors.
Drink plenty of clear fluids, preferably between meals, to keep yourself properly hydrated, and take frequent rest breaks as needed. Avoid over-the-counter nausea medications, unless your doctor says it's ok. If symptoms become too severe, see your doctor for help.
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