BOOK A PRENATAL APPOINTMENT WITH THE GYNAECOLOGIST
• Most doctors recommend you schedule your first appointment for when you are approximately 8-12 weeks pregnant. You will be given an ultrasound to investigate your pregnancy and confirm your due date
• It’s natural to feel a little anxious about having your first ultrasound. Talk to your doctor, nursing practitioner or sonographer beforehand and take someone with you for extra support
CONSIDER HAVING A PHYSICAL CHECK-UP
• Speak to your doctor about any prescription drugs you are currently taking as they may affect your pregnancy and the development of your baby
• Get advice on supplements. Omega 3+6 oils and folic acid is particularly important
SEE THE DENTIST
Your pregnancy may influence your dental health and your dental health can affect the health of your baby. More than half of pregnant women develop pregnancy gingivitis, which causes swollen, red and bleeding gums. Gum infections can result in a premature or underweight baby. Make sure you tell your dentist you are expecting.
REDUCE RISKS THAT CAN HARM YOUR BABY
Smoking
Smoking considerably increases risk of miscarriage, premature birth and stillbirth. Both active and passive smoking should be avoided during pregnancy at all costs as each cigarette increases the negative effects on the unborn child.
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is usually contracted through eating raw or insufficiently cooked meat. The causative pathogen can also be found in cat faeces.
• Only eat meat which has been sufficiently cooked
• Clean raw fruit, vegetables and lettuce thoroughly
• Avoid contact with cat faeces
Listeriosis
If contracted during pregnancy, listeriosis can lead to a miscarriage or have serious effects on the unborn child. Listeriosis bacteria are found in unpasteurised milk products, soft serve ice cream and raw meat or fish. Although very rare in pregnant women, it is best to avoid the risk of listeriosis
infection by consuming only pasteurised milk products, avoiding soft serve ice cream products, raw meat or fish and carefully rinsing salads, especially those containing wheat germ and sprouts, which can also contain the bacteria.
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS
You may experience nausea, breast tenderness, increased urination and fatigue at this time but this is normal and will soon pass. Foods that can help alleviate morning sickness include crackers, Marie biscuits, ginger tea and green apples.