Staying Healthy During Pregnancy

Now that you're pregnant, take care of yourself has never been more important. Sure, you probably get advice from everyone - your doctor, family, friends, colleagues and even strangers - about what should and should not do.

But staying healthy during pregnancy depends on you, so it's important to arm with information about various ways to keep you and your child as healthy as possible.

Prenatal care

The key to protecting the health of your child for regular prenatal care. If you think you are pregnant, consult your health care provider for an appointment. You should plan your first consideration when you think you are pregnant.

On this first visit, your provider may care to make a pregnancy test, and calculate how many weeks of pregnancy, is based on physical examination and the date of your last period. He or she will also use this information to predict the delivery date (however, an ultrasound performed during pregnancy may help to verify that date).

If you are healthy and there are risk factors for complications, most healthcare providers do not want to see:

• every 4 weeks until 28 weeks of pregnancy
• then every 2 weeks to 36 weeks
• then once a week until delivery

Throughout your pregnancy, your doctor will check your weight and blood pressure while controlling the growth and development of your baby (by doing things like feeling your abdomen, listening to fetal heart beat begins in the second quarter and measuring your belly). For the duration of your pregnancy, you will also have prenatal tests, including blood, urine and cervical tests, and probably at least an ultrasound.

• If you still have to choose a health care provider to counsel and treat you during your pregnancy, there are several options:
• Obstetricians / gynecologists (also known as OB / GYNs - doctors who specialize in pregnancy and childbirth and the health care of women)
• family physicians (doctors who provide a range of services for patients of all ages - in some cases, this includes obstetrical care)

Certified nurse-midwives (advanced practice nurses specializing in the health needs of women, including health, labor and confinement of antenatal and postnatal care for uncomplicated pregnancies, there are also "other types of midwives, but you should look for one with formal training has been certified in the field)

All of them is a good choice if you're healthy and there is no reason to anticipate complications with your pregnancy and childbirth. However, midwives need to have a doctor available for delivery in case an unexpected problem arises or a cesarean section (cesarean) should be performed.