| Important Guidelines to Follow |
| Prenatal Care Visits |
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As soon as you think you're pregnant, see your doctor.
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It's important to see your doctor regularly throughout pregnancy, so be sure to
keep all your prenatal care appointments.
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| The Right Vitamins |
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All women of childbearing age should take a daily multivitamin containing folic
acid as part of a healthy diet. Natural sources of folic acid include orange
juice, green leafy vegetables, beans, peanuts, broccoli, asparagus, peas,
lentils, and enriched grain products. It's important to be taking folic acid
right before conception and in the early weeks of pregnancy.
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Since you'll need higher levels during pregnancy, talk to your doctor about
prenatal vitamins containing iron (for healthy blood) and calcium (for healthy
bones).
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| Eat a Well Balanced Diet |
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To get the nutrients you and your unborn baby need, plan your meals around the
five basic food groups. Each day you should get:
6-11 servings of grain products
3-5 servings of vegetables
2-4 servings of fruits
4-6 servings of milk and milk products
3-4 servings of meat and protein foods
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Limit fatty foods and sweets.
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Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water, fruit juice, or milk each day.
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Women of average weight-for-height before pregnancy should gain 25 to 35 pounds
during pregnancy. Your doctor will tell you what's right for you.
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| Feeling Fit |
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Regular physical activity during pregnancy can have special benefits, like
lessening discomfort and fatigue, enhancing well-being, and promoting early
recovery after delivery.
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Yoga, walking, swimming and cycling on a stationary bicycle are the safest
exercises for pregnant women.
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Always check with your health care provider before beginning any kind of
exercise.
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| What to Avoid |
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Alcohol, smoking, illicit drugs. Ask your health care provider about
prescription or over-the-counter drugs you are taking.
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Saunas, hot tubs, or steam rooms.
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Caffeine found in tea, coffee, soft drinks; and chocolate.
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X-Rays
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Handling cat litter or eating undercooked meat. They may cause toxoplasmosis,
an infection that can harm your baby.
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| Important Signs |
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Contact your health care provider if you experience any of the
following during your pregnancy:
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Vaginal bleeding or leaking of fluid
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Cramps that are strong
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A lasting backache or bellyache
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Excessive vomiting or diarrhea
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A fever above 100 degrees
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Prolonged headache
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Blurred vision or spots in front of your eyes
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Pain or burning when you urinate
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Less movement by your baby
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