How to Take Care of Yourself in Early Pregnancy or When You Find Out You Are Pregnant

How to Take Care of Yourself in Early Pregnancy

Taking care of yourself during early pregnancy is not difficult. Once you know you are pregnant, besides starting prenatal care, it's important for expectant mothers to know what they should and shouldn't do. 


This includes dietary habits,
medication use, and daily routines,
all of which need to be adjusted
to avoid impacting the pregnancy.

In this article, Intouch Medicare provides tips on how to take care of yourself during pregnancy, especially for first-time mothers.


How to Take Care of Yourself in Early Pregnancy

What to Do During Pregnancy

What to Do During Pregnancy

  • Start prenatal care immediately upon learning you are pregnant.

  • Consult your prenatal doctor before stopping any medication or starting a new one.

  • Take prenatal vitamins with 0.4-0.8 mg of folic acid daily, as recommended by your prenatal doctor.

  • After 28 weeks of pregnancy, monitor the baby's movements daily. You will notice that the baby moves more at night. If you notice any abnormalities, consult your doctor immediately.

What to Do During Pregnancy

  • Eat a variety of healthy foods and drink plenty of water during pregnancy.

  • Exercise appropriately and maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy.

  • Get enough sleep to ensure both the mother and baby have good physical and mental health before and after delivery.

  • Attend all prenatal appointments to monitor the baby's development. The doctor will perform an ultrasound to determine the baby's gender, which can be an exciting moment in life.

You can chat to ask for information
What Not to Do During Pregnancy

What Not to Do During Pregnancy

  1. Do not smoke, drink alcohol, or use any drugs. Avoid being near people who smoke. If the father smokes, he should smoke far away or ideally quit altogether for the well-being of both the mother and baby, both during pregnancy and after birth.

  2. Do not eat fish that contain mercury.

  3. Avoid hot baths and saunas.

  4. Refrain from using all chemicals. 



Medication use during pregnancy requires great caution
, as the fetus is developing various organs in terms of structure and function.
Medications or substances taken by the mother can pass to the fetus and may cause birth defects.
Recommendations for Medication Use in Pregnant Women

Recommendations for Medication Use in Pregnant Women

During pregnancy, take medications only when necessary.   Some symptoms, such as morning sickness, nausea, vomiting, body aches, and insomnia, may not require medication. If medication is needed, use the smallest possible amount. 

Do not self-medicate.  If unsure whether a medication may affect the fetus, inform your doctor or pharmacist when purchasing medication or receiving medical services, and consult your prenatal doctor.


  Prenatal Care at Intouch Medicare: For more information, please inquire.


How to Take Care of Yourself During Pregnancy

  1. Follow your doctor's advice 

  2. Choose healthy eating 

  3. Pay attention to exercise

  4. Rest

  5. Check on the father's feelings 

  6. Start preparing for the baby

  7. Keep a journal of your feelings


Follow Your Doctor's Advice

The first step in taking care of yourself during pregnancy is to listen to your specialist’s advice and prenatal care provider. Choose someone you trust with your health and your baby’s health. Follow the advice seriously and adhere to the guidelines given by the medical team regarding exercise, nutrition, and health.

Follow Your Doctor's Advice

Attend all prenatal check-ups regularly and speak with your prenatal clinic doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your pregnancy.


Always consult your
primary care team as they will provide
the best and most accurate
information for your benefit.

  Articles you should read : Frequently Asked Questions about Prenatal Care


Choose Healthy Eating

Eating a nutritious diet is very beneficial because essential nutrients support your baby’s growth and development. You will feel better when you consume enough vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains.

Make sure you follow the dietary recommendations provided by your doctor, especially if you are at risk of complications such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes.


Pay Attention to Exercise

Pay Attention to Exercise

Exercise is a crucial part of self-care during pregnancy and should be part of your routine, whether you are pregnant or not.


Pregnant women should engage in moderate-intensity
aerobic exercise for at least 150 minutes per week.


Exercise can help you feel refreshed and improve your sleep. Always consult your doctor first and ensure the exercise is safe. The doctor can assess your physical condition, especially if you were not very active before pregnancy. Do not overexert yourself; start slowly and allow your body to adapt.


Rest

Rest is an essential part of self-care during pregnancy. Many pregnant women experience fatigue during pregnancy, which can make you feel run down.

 


If possible, try to schedule naps
during the day to get more sleep
and restore your energy. 

Exercise can help you sleep better, but avoid exercising too close to bedtime. Practice good sleep hygiene and make sure you go to bed early enough to get 7-9 hours of sleep before waking up.


Check on the Father’s Feelings

Check on the Father’s Feelings

Don’t forget to check on the father’s feelings regularly. You may be the one pregnant, but the father also has feelings, thoughts, and concerns about the new baby.

You and your partner can support each other, which will help with the adjustment and improve postnatal care success.


You can chat to ask for information

Start Preparing for the Baby

Both parents should start preparing the space for the baby, including baby supplies and necessary equipment to make caring for the baby easier.


Planning ahead can
reduce chaos and anxiety as
the due date approaches.

But don’t stress about checking off every item. Focus on the most important things first.
Keep a Journal of Your Feelings

Keep a Journal of Your Feelings

Many women find it helpful to write down their feelings in a personal journal to manage stress and emotions. It also makes a great keepsake.

You can look back and read about how you felt during this exciting time in your life.

Journaling can help you track symptoms such as morning sickness or fatigue, and any changes, so you can discuss your concerns with your doctor.


How is this for taking care of yourself in early pregnancy or during pregnancy? If you follow these guidelines correctly, both you and your baby will be healthy and at lower risk. Postnatal check-ups are likely to show fewer or no health issues. Knowing this, don't forget to take care of yourself.


Interesting Articles


For more info and make appointment

  hotline 081-562-7722

  @qns9056c

  intouchmedicare


Compiled by Intouchmedicare Clinic
  Last updated: 03/07/2024
  Permission is granted to use the images without seeking further authorization, exclusively for educational or informational purposes. Please provide credit or cite the source as intouchmedicare.com

web counters
This website uses cookies for best user experience, to find out more you can go to our