A Healthy Pregnancy
Congratulations !
Pregnancy is often filled with a range of emotions as you prepare to welcome your baby . You may feel excited , overwhelmed and much more . It can help to get support and advice from other parents , family or friends . Learning more about pregnancy , birth and having a new baby can also help calm your fears and help you feel more prepared .
Caring for Yourself
Your health is always important , but especially so during pregnancy . Use the following tips to help you and your baby stay as healthy as possible .
To do :
• Go to regular prenatal visits with your health care provider .
• Eat a nutritious diet , including fresh vegetables and fruits , whole grains , and quality protein .
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated .
• Stay active . Aim for 30 minutes of exercise or more every day .
• Get plenty of sleep . Rest when you need it .
• Surround yourself with supportive people .
• Take care of your mental health . Minimize stress and use tools to cope with stress .
Precautions :
• Do not consume harmful substances such as alcohol , drugs or unsafe medications .
• Avoid fish with high levels of mercury , unpasteurized dairy , undercooked meats and artificial sweeteners .
• Limit caffeine and sweets .
• Take preventative steps to avoid sexually acquired infections .
• Reduce your exposure to environmental toxins as much as possible . Avoid breathing smoke or chemical fumes .
• Avoid high-impact exercises and activities with a high risk of falling .
Pregnancy Dates
Pregnancy is generally said to last 40 weeks , although this length varies . Pregnancy is often confirmed by a test that detects a specific hormone in your urine or blood , or by a vaginal ultrasound . Because of the way pregnancy dates are counted , you are already several weeks pregnant by the time a pregnancy test is positive . ( See page 5 for more details .)
Pregnancy is divided into three parts , called trimesters . Each trimester lasts 12 to 14 weeks and includes its own unique phase of development .
It is never too late to begin making healthy choices and developing healthy habits . During pregnancy , you help lay the foundation for the rest of your child ’ s life . When you take care of your physical , mental and emotional health during pregnancy , you are also taking care of your baby and giving them the best possible start in life . If you struggle in any of these areas , ask your health care provider for recommendations and resources .
Labor and Birth 2