Questions You Should Ask During Your First Prenatal Visit
Typically, your first prenatal visit will occur during the first eight to 10 weeks of your pregnancy. During this visit, your physician will ask you a number of questions about you and your family's health and perform several tests to determine your overall health and the overall health of your baby. Here are a few questions you should ask your OB/GYN during your first prenatal visit.
What Changes to My Diet Should I Make?
During pregnancy, there are several diet changes you will need to make to ensure you are getting the nutrients you and your baby need. Additionally, there are several foods you should stop eating, as they can be potentially dangerous. For example, adding more fruits and vegetables can increase your vitamin A intake. Grains, such as bread and cereals, can help you get the iron and folic acid you need.
Avoid unpasteurized meats and cheese and deli meats, as they place you at risk of certain bacterial infections. Do not eat undercooked or raw foods, such as sushi or rare steak, as well.
It is critical to avoid alcohol during pregnancy. Cut your caffeine intake, as well. Your doctor can help determine how much caffeine you can consume each day.
How Many Appointments Can I Expect?
Typically, you can expect to attend anywhere between eight and fifteen prenatal appointments during your pregnancy. If you have any underlying conditions that can impact your pregnancy, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, you may be required to attend additional appointments to monitor this condition. As your pregnancy progresses, you will be scheduled more frequently and may need to visit your doctor on a weekly basis in the last few weeks of your pregnancy.
Can I Exercise During Pregnancy?
Staying active during pregnancy is a great way for you to remain healthy and avoid gaining too much weight. In addition to making the normal aches and pains associated with pregnancy worse, gaining too much weight during pregnancy places you at risk of developing other conditions, including gestational diabetes.
Your doctor can help you create an exercise regimen that works best for your age and activity level. For example, sometimes the best way to stay fit and healthy during pregnancy is to take a daily walk. Check your local fitness centers to see if they offer pregnancy classes, such as pregnancy yoga.
Your OB/GYN will ask you several questions during your first prenatal visit. Asking the right questions yourself can help ensure you have a safer, healthier pregnancy.
For more information on what to expect during your first pregnancy, contact a professional like Dr. Ronald Cypher MD.