Welcome
When you find out you are pregnant, you enter uncharted territory. It can be difficult to know how to sort through all the information you get or choices to be made regarding pregnancy, birth and parenting. This booklet will help you navigate the many topics that influence your pregnancy and give you tools to achieve the healthiest start in life for your baby. Whether you are thinking about getting pregnant or about to give birth, it is always a good time to make healthy choices.
Contents
Welcome to Pregnancy...................................................................................................................................................... 2 Pregnancy: First Trimester................................................................................................................................................. 3 Pregnancy: Second Trimester.......................................................................................................................................... 4 Pregnancy: Third Trimester............................................................................................................................................... 5
Preview
Prenatal Health Care...................................................................................................................................................... 6 – 8 When to Call.......................................................................................................................................................................... 9 Preparing for Birth............................................................................................................................................................ 10 Precautions.......................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Current Health Assessment........................................................................................................................................... 12 Stress During Pregnancy................................................................................................................................................ 13 Nutrition: An Overview................................................................................................................................................... 14 A Balanced Diet................................................................................................................................................................. 15 Foods to Avoid................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Food Safety......................................................................................................................................................................... 17 Pregnancy Fitness...................................................................................................................................................... 18 – 19 Stretching and Toning..................................................................................................................................................... 20 Targeted Toning................................................................................................................................................................. 21 Glossary......................................................................................................................................................................... 22 – 23 Photo Credits...................................................................................................................................................................... 24
As you educate yourself during pregnancy, you may find that you have questions regarding your care or various options available to you. Wherever you see this symbol, you will find a topic highlighted that you may wish to discuss with your partner, childbirth educator and / or health care provider. Asking questions before and during your pregnancy will help you feel more confident about your decisions to achieve a healthy pregnancy. Be sure to note the warning signs on page 9.