3 Questions To Ask During Your First Pregnancy Appointment

Posted on: 6 October 2017

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Learning you are pregnant is an exciting and joyous moment. Unfortunately, this excitement may often overshadow the need to focus on your health and wellness. Your body will physically and emotionally change during the course of your pregnancy. Not only will you need to change your diet to help nourish your unborn child, but you will also carry around extra weight, which places stress on your muscles and joints. The proper understanding of these changes will reduce your risk of dangerous medical conditions. To protect your health and wellness, make sure to ask the following questions during your first pregnancy checkup.

How Much Weight Should I Gain?

You may have heard that 25 to 35 pounds of weight gain is normal and healthy during a pregnancy, but that is not entirely accurate.

If you have a healthy BMI, or Body Mass Index, this weight gain range is appropriate. However, if your BMI is higher than normal, you should not gain as much weight.

Gaining too much weight during your pregnancy can increase your risk of high blood pressure and gestational diabetes, which can lead to early labor, which is dangerous to both you and your unborn baby.

Your obstetrician will measure your BMI before determining how much weight will be a healthy number to gain during your pregnancy.

Are Prenatal Vitamins Really Necessary?

Many women avoid taking prenatal vitamins during their pregnancy because they may be too large to swallow or because they cause nausea. Not taking them will not harm you, but prenatal vitamins can be very beneficial to you and your baby.

Make sure your prenatal vitamins contain folic acid, since this can reduce your baby's risk of developing neurological disorders and birth defects. Folic acid also decreases your risk of high blood pressure.

Iron should also be in your prenatal vitamins. Without a sufficient amount of iron during pregnancy, you could be at risk of a preterm delivery.

Taking prenatal vitamins each day will ensure your baby is receiving essential vitamins and minerals that are needed for growth. Even if you follow a healthy, well-balanced diet, the vitamins are important.

Should I Stop Taking Medications?

If you are currently on any medications, tell your obstetrician as soon as you learn you are pregnant.

Many types of allergy, cold, headache, and constipation medications are safe to use while pregnant, but you should still consult your doctor regarding any over-the-counter and prescription drug.

If you are suffering from depression or an anxiety disorder, you may want to continue the medications to prevent mood changes while pregnant. Many anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs are safe to take while pregnant, but make sure your obstetrician learns which of these medicines you are on.

You must take care of your health and the health and development of your unborn child from day one of your pregnancy. By asking these questions, you will open up important communication between you and your obstetrician. Contact a doctor at a medical center like Desert Rose OBGYN PC to learn more.