That little pink plus sign flashed across the test and—you’re pregnant! Now what? To start with, it’s time to call the OB. Even though they may not need to see you right away, your doctor will want to schedule that all-important first appointment. The reality of being pregnant has suddenly hit you. Now that you know it’s true, you have a million questions bouncing around inside of your head. Before going to your first obstetrician visit, take a moment to prioritize your questions and figure out what you need to know right now. Of course, the doctor is always there for you and ready to answer anything you have to ask. Don’t worry, there are no stupid questions when it comes to pregnancy. However, your doctor doesn’t have all day to answer everything on your extensive, ever-growing question list. That’s why it’s important to prioritize questions for your doctor. What do you really need to know? Take a look at some of the most important questions you should ask at your first prenatal visit.
Keep in mind, this question is only necessary if you’re already on a medication. This doesn’t just include prescription meds. If you take ibuprofen for headaches or antacids for tummy troubles, the doctor needs to know about it. Also, herbal supplements and vitamins are also important to note. Just because the label reads “all-natural,” that doesn’t mean it can’t affect your pregnancy. Some herbs, vitamins and other supplements can interfere with how your body functions and impact your baby’s development.
What you eat is always important. Now that you’re pregnant it’s even more essential. Your baby’s health depends on your own health, and proper nutrition is part of staying healthy. Review what you typically eat with your medical provider. It’s possible that you won’t need to make any changes. If you maintain a high-sugar or high-fat diet, it’s likely that your doctor will suggest some changes. Your OB will also give you an idea of how much weight you should gain and when you should gain it. The amount of weight a woman needs to gain during pregnancy depends on her starting weight and body mass index (BMI). The doctor will also talk to you about foods to avoid. These typically include raw or undercooked meat products (beef, poultry, pork or fish), uncooked eggs, unpasteurized dairy products and fish that contain high levels of mercury, such as king mackerel, marlin, swordfish, tilefish, bigeye tuna, and orange roughy.
The first changes the doctor is likely to recommend include putting a ban on smoking or being around second-hand smoke, drinking alcohol, caffeine use, and non-approved drug use. Along with these changes, your doctor may want you to change your fitness and activity level. If you’re typically sedentary and don’t get up off of the couch often, you may need to ask about starting an exercise routine. Moderate physical activity is healthy for you and may help during labor and the post-delivery period. On the other hand, if you’re extremely active, you should ask if your regular exercise routine is still okay. In most cases it is, but it’s absolutely essential to talk to the doctor first. The medical pro can provide suggestions to help minimize exercise-related risks or injuries.
The answer to this question will give you a clue as to what your prenatal appointment schedule will look like. You can also ask about other medical-related events, such as when you’ll have an ultrasound or when you need specific blood tests. Are you pregnant? Contact the medical providers of Alafaya Woods Family Medical Center to schedule an appointment.
