What can I do to become and stay healthy?
Be sure to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally by following a few simple guidelines:

• Eat a healthy, nutritionally balanced diet

• Take vitamins. Women need to be sure the multivitamin has folic acid

• Exercise regularly

• Limit caffeine and alcohol

• Stop smoking

• Protect yourself against STDs

• Schedule regular check-ups with your doctor

• Seek help if you feel unsafe in your home

• Manage stress and get plenty of rest

 

What should I do if I’m pregnant?
In order to keep you and your baby healthy, follow these few guidelines:

• Make an appointment for your first prenatal visit

• Get regular prenatal care

• Eat a healthy, nutritionally balanced diet for you and your baby

• Take prenatal vitamins with folic acid

• Do not take medications without consulting your doctor first

• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes and drugs

• Manage stress and get plenty of rest

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As an expectant father what should I do to support the mother of my unborn baby?

• Support her by letting her know how much you love and appreciate her

• Make sure she gets regular prenatal care

• Help her eat a healthy, nutritionally balanced diet

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Why is prenatal care important?
It’s important to get early and regular prenatal care even if you feel fine because most problems, if caught early, can be corrected before they become serious.

 

What should I expect at my first prenatal visit?
Your first visit usually takes the longest.  Your provider will collect the following information:

• Medical History

• Blood Pressure

• Weight and Height

• Blood Test (checking your blood type, looking for anemia, sickle cell, hepatitis, syphilis, and HIV)

• Urine Test (checking for diabetes, protein, and infection)

• Physical Exam

• Breast Exam

• Pelvic Exam

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What should I expect at other prenatal visits?
After the first prenatal appointment, your visits should be much shorter.  Write down any questions you or your partner may have and take the list with you to your visit. At these visits, your health care provider will check symptoms you have been experiencing and collect the following information:

• Blood Pressure

• Weight

• Blood Test

• Urine Test

• Baby’s Growth (by measuring the size of the uterus / or doing an ultrasound if needed)

• Baby’s Position in your uterus

• Baby’s Heartbeat

• Baby’s Movements