Introduction: your guide to a healthy pregnancy

Pregnancy Planner: Your Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy, Annual, 2005

Pregnancy is a wonderful opportunity for you to take charge of your health. Knowing you're nurturing not only yourself but also your baby-to-be is great motivation to eat right, exercise, get plenty of sleep and stop smoking, if you smoke.

This pregnancy planner is intended to be your constant companion during your pregnancy. You can use it to jot down important appointments and notes to yourself. We have provided many health tips and important reminders to guide you during your pregnancy.

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Each month, fill in the important dates for that particular month. For example, if you find out you're pregnant in May, make that Month #1 and continue filling in successive months and dates from there. Each month of pregnancy is roughly 4.5 weeks. You might want to use the chart on the next page to record your checkups and write down questions you want to ask your health care team.

There is also a list of resources at the end of the planner. Contact the groups or organizations listed there if you would like more information about a particular topic.

LOOKING AHEAD: A PEEK PREVIEW

If you're planning a pregnancy or think you might be pregnant, the first and most important thing you need to do is meet with your health care professional to discuss your health, medical history and any concerns you may have. Remember, the best time to prepare for pregnancy is before you conceive. Your nurse practitioner or doctor will likely recommend a multi-vitamin containing folic acid as a first step toward ensuring a healthy pregnancy.

The 40 weeks of pregnancy are typically separated into three terms, or trimesters. As you experience the many amazing changes and feelings pregnancy brings, your baby will be changing in amazing ways, too. Here are a few highlights:

1st Trimester (weeks 1 to 14)

Your little one's heart is beating. Other major organs and the nervous system are forming. Baby can open and close its fists and mouth, weighs about one ounce and is three to four inches long.

2nd Trimester (weeks 14 to 28)

Hair, nails and fingerprints have formed. Baby can kick, too! Baby's eyes are open now. Baby weighs about two pounds and is 12 to 13 inches long.

3rd Trimester (weeks 28 to 40)

Baby kicks and stretches and is growing quickly. Your little one can hear noises from the outside world and sleeps and wakes at regular intervals and may even hiccup. Baby weighs six to nine pounds and is about 20 inches long.

Your Pregnancy Record

You won't believe the number of visits you'll make to your health care team during your pregnancy! Each visit is important to ensure that both you and your baby are healthy and thriving. Visits typically are monthly at first and weekly closer to delivery. Expect regular urine tests, occasional blood tests and physical exams at key points during your pregnancy. Specific screening tests also may be recommended. If you develop any unusual symptoms, such as vaginal bleeding, severe nausea and vomiting, severe pain or changes in vision, call your health care professional immediately.

Congratulations! You're Pregnant

Start taking care of yourself and your developing baby by eating right. "Eating for two" doesn't mean you have to go overboard, but you should eat a varied, high protein diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Eat fresh vegetables and fruits whenever you can and try to cut out, or at least cut back on sweets, sodas and high-fat foods. Remember, the average pregnant woman needs only 300 extra calories a day. Here are some other important reminders:

* Check with your health care professional about taking folic acid alone or as part of a multivitamin supplement. Taking folic acid (0.4 mg daily) may help prevent serious defects in your baby's developing brain and spine.

* Make sure your health care professional is aware of ALL prescription and over-the-counter medications as well as dietary supplements you are currently taking. Talk to your doctor before starting any new medicine or supplement.

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Medication Safety During Pregnancy

It's a fact: Everything you eat, drink or swallow during pregnancy possibly could affect your baby. Don't play a guessing game where medications are concerned. Ask your health care professional about taking any medication or dietary supplement. As far as alcohol and nicotine are concerned, most experts advise avoiding them during pregnancy.

* If you have a condition that requires medication, discuss it with your health care professional. Some medications may be stopped during a critical stage of the baby's development, then used again safely later.

* Remember not to assume a product is safe during pregnancy just because it doesn't require a prescription. Also, don't stop or start any medication without asking your health care professional.

* For cold and flu symptoms, use a humidifier, drink plenty of clear liquids, gargle with salt water and get extra sleep. Be sure to wash your hands frequently.

* Schedule your healthy pregnancy checkup.

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Introduction: your guide to a healthy pregnancy

Pregnancy Planner: Your Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy, Annual, 2005

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