Getting health care during pregnancy, before birth, and taking care of your health will help you have a healthy baby and reduce your baby’s risk of certain health problems. Prenatal care helps your doctor know if you have any health problems and find any that may arise.

What should you do first?

Stick to the periodic check-ups recommended by the doctor; Make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as you know you’re pregnant or even if you think you’re pregnant.

Also, make sure you get all the medical tests your doctor recommends. Early treatment can treat many problems and prevent others.

To enjoy a healthy pregnancy

To enjoy healthy pregnancy talk to your doctor about essential things during the regular visits, including :

• Your personal and family health history, including any chronic health problems or surgeries you’ve had
• If you need special medical care or signs that you should consult a doctor when they appear, such as high blood pressure, dizziness, swelling, pain, bleeding or contractions
• When and where to go for emergency care during pregnancy
• Prescription or over-the-counter medications as well as vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbs
• Healthy weight gain during pregnancy

Important medical tests

Your doctor will prescribe essential medical screenings that everyone should undergo as part of normal prenatal care to ensure a healthy pregnancy. You will need to take some tests more than once. The tests will check for:

• Rhesus factor, a protein found in some people’s blood.
• Hepatitis B.
• Urinary tract infection.
• Signs of previous infection with German measles.
• Some sexually transmitted diseases.

Your doctor will check your blood pressure regularly during pregnancy. Your doctor may also recommend checking your blood pressure at home with a medical device that you can buy from Al thiqa pharmacy. High blood pressure during pregnancy can be a sign of preeclampsia, a health problem that some pregnant women develop. You will also need to get tested for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.

Changes for a healthy pregnancy

• Stop smoking or drinking alcohol
• Eat healthy food and get enough folic acid
• Maintain your physical activity, but do not overdo it
• Take ProVita prenatal.
• Avoid using harsh or toxic detergents or lifting heavy objects
• Choose comfortable shoes