Here are our tips for ensuring your baby has the best possible chance to develop and grow in a healthy environment and for managing some of the changes you may experience:

Pregnancy Supplements and Medications

• You should take a prenatal vitamin which contains at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily. Folic acid is important for the development of the baby’s nervous system. All prenatal vitamins contain folic acid, as do most multivitamins.
• You may safely take paracetamol or acetaminophen for pain and/or fever. It may be taken every 4-6 hours. Do not take more than 4,000 mg (8 extra strength tablets) in a 24-hour period.
• You should NOT take any other medications without checking with your physician first. These include herbal preparations, vitamin supplements and previously prescribed medications.

Diet During Pregnancy

Iron: Pregnant women are prone to anemia, so it is important to eat plenty of iron-rich foods (green leafy vegetables, meats). Iron is necessary for red blood cell development, and you will be making many new red blood cells during pregnancy.

Vitamin C, commonly found in citrus products such as oranges, helps with the absorption of iron. Taking an iron supplement with orange juice or squeezing lemon on a salad is a good way to boost your absorption.

Fiber: You should increase the fiber in your diet (whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables), and try to drink at least eight 8oz glasses of fluids per day. The increased hormone production of pregnancy can slow your digestion and lead to constipation.

Caffeine: Limit your caffeine consumption (coffee, tea, sodas) and high-calorie fluid intake (sodas.) One to two caffeinated drinks per day are safe.

Limit Exposure to Potential Pathogen Sources:

• Do not eat sushi or unpasteurized cheeses.
• All meat that you eat should be fully cooked. Deli meat should be heated before consuming.
• Always wash your produce prior to eating it. This will decrease your exposure to pesticides and surface bacteria.

Do not Restrict Calories: Although this is not the time to diet, eat wisely, and avoid empty calories. If you are overweight, ask your physician about a referral to meet with a dietitian to develop a healthy eating plan.

Managing Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy

• If you are experiencing nausea with pregnancy, try eating small, frequent meals. Nausea is often worse on an empty stomach.
• Sip on liquids, but don’t try to drink a full glass in one go.
• Many women find lemon or ginger help ease feelings of nausea.
• If odors are bothering you, try consuming cold foods, which are less aromatic. 
• As long as you are urinating several times a day, and the color is light yellow, you are not dehydrated.
• If you are vomiting more than once a day, or losing weight, inform your doctor know immediately.

If these suggestions do not improve your symptoms, call your doctor to discuss the use of prescription medications that help minimize nausea and vomiting.

Heartburn and Indigestion

• Eat many small meals.
• Avoid acidic foods such as lemons and tomatoes.
• Avoid spicy foods.

Constipation

• Drink plenty of liquids; fruit juices such as papaya, mango and prune are very good options.

Diarrhea

• Eat a bland diet (bananas, rice, apples, toast) until the diarrhea stops.
• Make sure to drink plenty of fluids.
• Do not take any medications without consulting your doctor.

Cough/Nasal Congestion

• Spend some time in a steamy shower.
• Robitussin (plain) is safe to take.
• Saline nose drops are safe.

Insomnia

• Diphenhydramine on occasion is safe.
• If diphenhydramine is not helping, please contact your doctor to discuss other options.

 Sex During Pregnancy

• You should abstain from sex until an ultrasound confirms that you have a pregnancy with a normal heartbeat within the uterus.
• Once a healthy pregnancy is established, you can resume normal sexual activity.
• If you experience pain, cramping or bleeding during sex, call your doctor prior to initiating any further sexual activity.

Exercise During Pregnancy

Staying healthy during pregnancy is important. However, if you did not exercise regularly prior to pregnancy, now is not the time to start an intense new program. It is recommended that you not resume exercise until a pregnancy ultrasound reveals a fetus with a heartbeat. If you have any questions, consult with your physician.

At the start of your pregnancy, you will notice that you become short of breath faster than you are used to. This is a normal change in pregnancy. Try to exercise in a way that you don’t tire out too quickly. A good rule of thumb is to make sure that you are able to carry on a conversation while exercising. If you become too short of breath to talk normally, you’re probably overdoing it.

Many forms of exercise are safe during pregnancy. Things to avoid include lying flat on your back after the first trimester. Any sport that risks falls or injury to your abdomen should be avoided.

If you are traveling in a car, train or airplane for an extended period of time, you should get up and stretch your legs at least every 2 hours. This will decrease the risk of blood clots, which are more common during pregnancy.

Prenatal Testing

The following is an introduction to some of the more common prenatal tests that may be offered to you by your obstetrician. You should discuss the pros and cons of these tests with your obstetrician at your first prenatal visit.