Importance of Early Pregnancy Healthcare
Seeing a healthcare provider in the first eight to ten weeks of pregnancy and then at scheduled times throughout your pregnancy means a healthier you and a healthier baby.
For moms, pregnancy (prenatal) care can prevent or minimize complications from pregnancy risks such as hypertension, anemia, infections, depression and gestational diabetes. For babies, proper prenatal care greatly lowers the risk of birth defects and low birth weight which can cause life-long health issues.
As soon as you know you’re pregnant:
Schedule a visit to your healthcare provider. Then:
- Visit your healthcare provider every 4 weeks through week 28 of your pregnancy; every 2 weeks for weeks 28 through 36; and every week after 36 weeks. If you are older than 35 or your pregnancy is high risk, you'll see your doctor more often.
- Your healthcare provider should start you on pregnancy (prenatal) vitamins with iron and folic acid.
- Your healthcare provider will screen you for STDs (sexually transmitted diseases)
- Ask your healthcare provider before stopping any prescription medicines or starting any new medicines and let them know over-the-counter medicines and herbal products you’re using.
- Avoid x-rays. If you can’t, tell your dentist or doctor that you are pregnant for extra care.
- Get up-to-date on recommended vaccinations. Pregnant women can get very sick from the flu or COVID.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, and illegal drugs
- Eat a variety of healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, calcium-rich foods, and foods low in saturated fat and drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Don't eat fish with lots of mercury.
- Exercise – talk to your healthcare provider about the kind and proper amount.
- Don't take very hot baths or use hot tubs or saunas.
- Get plenty of sleep and find ways to control stress.
- Stay away from toxic substances like insecticides, solvents (like some cleaners or paint thinners), lead, mercury, and paint (including paint fumes); and cat or rodent feces.
