High 5

First Prenatal Visit? 

This specific and important visit will help your Doctor know about YOU and YOUR partner's
medical history and here BE HONEST.

If you have any chronic health issues (high blood pressure or  diabetes, etc.) tell your doctor you do and no if you don't. Routine health examination is done, such as BP levels, Blood Tests, etc. In this visit you will get a physical and pelvic exam done.

The first visit usually takes longer than your follow-up appointments. So don't be in a hurry and make sure to take adequate time off from work schedule. Since blood tests are taken, make sure you have eaten a meal. 

Drink an extra glass of water while you leave for the visit. 

What is my DUE DATE & How it is Calculated?

Only about 5% of women actually deliver on their calculated due date. Although your Doctor might advise you that you should deliver sometime during a "due date range", most women want to know or feel better with an exact date. 

A full term "normal" pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks (start counting from your last period) or 38 weeks from conception. That's 280 days or 266 days depending on when you start counting. 

Don't know when your last period was? OR
Don't have a clue when you conceived?      

Get your Doctor's appointment ASAP and get checked (with a pelvic exam, blood tests, and/or early ultrasound), the more accurate your due date will be.

It is important to know your due date as soon as possible because of the several tests that you should undergo for the testing to be done properly.




Signs of MISCARRIAGE?

• Vaginal bleeding
• Severe cramps
• Pain on one side or the other of your lower belly
• Heavy bleeding like a period may be a sign of a miscarriage. 

See Your Doctor if you notice any of the above or anything that you feel is NOT RIGHT - it's "URGENT"! 


What about previously prescribed MEDICATIONS?

Some women take prescription medications for a variety of health issues (migraine headaches, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, etc.). Certain medications are totally safe for the growing fetus while others (especially during the first 14 weeks) may cause problems. 

Your Doctor is the right person to advise you to stop, change, or continue your medications. Don't try to make this decision alone. 

You should take Medicines seriously. After all they are medicines (drugs). 





What makes your pregnancy a High-Risk PREGNANCY?

The following examples may put you in a high-risk category:

⦁ Being over age 35 at the time of your delivery 
⦁ You are having twins or triplets or ??? 
⦁ Having had more than three miscarriages 
⦁ Have a history of an Ectopic Pregnancy
  (A pregnancy in which the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus)
⦁ Chronic or consistent vaginal bleeding 
⦁ If you have a chronic health condition (diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.)


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Tips: 

⦁ Wash fruits and vegetables before eating 
⦁ Don't eat raw or under cooked meats or eggs 
⦁ Limit fish/seafood to 3-4 servings per week 
⦁ Avoid unpasteurized dairy (fresh milk or cheeses) 
⦁ Avoid caffeine (Coffee, Health Drinks, Drugs, etc - Check before you eat or drink)
⦁ Stay away from Very loud noises 

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