Congrats! You’re pregnant and your body is getting ready to start creating a baby who’s going to stay in your bump for over 9 months!
So, what’s next? What are you supposed to do in order to preserve your pregnancy and your baby until the D-day? Here are three steps you should take once you know you’re expecting:
1- We first advise you to choose one of the health care providers specialized in pregnancy, such as a gynecologist, a family doctor or a midwife. And after you choose the skilled person who’s able to provide you with the necessary support, start to visit him on a regular basis so that he can examine you, check if your baby is growing healthily and keep you away from the problems and complications that may occur throughout your pregnancy and delivery.
2- During prenatal visits, you will be asked to do some general tests, lab tests, as well as a complete medical examination for your chest, pelvis, urine and uterus. The doctor will check your blood pressure and weight, and arrange for you to have periodic blood tests and ultrasonic tests. And in case he’s concerned about one of the results, he will ask you to do more advanced tests.
In addition, the doctor will go over your medical history, as well as the medical history of your husband, looking for any disease or condition that may negatively affect your pregnancy and cause malformations to your fetus.
He will also talk to you in depth about the changes and symptoms you might experience during each stage of your pregnancy, teach you how to deal with these changes and symptoms, and how to watch for your weight, after specifying to you the exact kilograms you should not exceed according to your BMI.
3- After you’re done with the examinations and the tests, you should work on improving your lifestyle, get rid of the habits that may be harmful to you and your baby, and start exercising mildly for around 2 hours per week.
You should also plan for a healthy well-balanced diet, rich in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients deemed necessary for your pregnancy, such as Vitamin B12, Folic acid, Iron, Calcium and Vitamin A. Don’t forget to drink enough water and fluids every day, and abstain from consuming raw meat, contaminated fish, unpasteurized soft cheese, unpasteurized milk and any source of caffeine, etc.
A new chapter of your life has just begun, and this chapter is so important that it can turn your marital life upside down. So be prepared for it and be careful and always be informed. Don’t neglect any symptom or health issue you may face even if it’s minor and immediately report it to your doctor.
What’s after these steps? For additional information on how to get prepared for pregnancy, read on more of our articles…
Read More: Does What A Mother Eat Or Do Determine Her Child’s Gender?
Get full access to expert-backed nutrition support
My feed
Curated content based on your preferences
Feeding guidance
Learn about various feeding options and what each means for you and your baby
Tailored Practical Tools
Try our tailored practical tools to guide you through the parenting journey.
My First 1000 Days club
Customised notifications, reminders and newsletters
Still haven't found what you are looking for?
Try our new smart question engine. We'll always have something for you.