| Here is your guide of what your should expect
during your first trimester. Your first trimester is defined
as the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. During your initial
prenatal visit, the following will be done. |
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1. A complete history
and physical will be done.
2. An informational
packet will be given to you on various aspects of prenatal care.
3. A pelvic exam will
be performed including a pap smear and screening for STD's.
4. Initial lab work
will be ordered.
5. Your prenatal vitamins
will be called into the pharmacy of your choice.
6. You will receive
your prenatal card, please bring this with you for all your prenatal
visits.
7. You will be shown
our patient library and video area.
8. If you are considering
Genetic Counseling, this will also be discussed.
9. Time will be provided
to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with the midwife.
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You will be seen
every four weeks during the first trimester of care. Please
call our office immediately if you should experience any of the
following:
1. Vaginal Bleeding
2. Severe swelling
of the face, hands or ankles.
3, Severe headache
that does not go away.
4. Blurred vision.
5. Less urine output
than normal.
6. Pain or burning
on urination.
7. Chills, fever or
any illness.
8. Sharp belly pain
that does not go away.
9. Escape of water
from the vagina.
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| As n expectant mother, you want your baby to
be healthy. You can help by remembering that much of what
you eat, drink or breathe is passed along to your baby.
Some things are good, others can be harmful. Your baby
receives food and oxygen through he placenta. This is why
it is important to make good choices. Your informational
packet will provide you with educational information about the
choices that need to be made. |
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Activity
Pregnancy should be
seen as a normal state, and not as an illness. Almost any
activity in moderation is okay. You need to get about the
same amount of exercise while you are pregnant as you did before
you got pregnant. Check with the midwife if there is any
activity you are unsure of.
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Exercise
Most pregnant women
feel better and have more energy if they exercise. Walking,
swimming, low impact aerobics and stretching are safe during
pregnancy.
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Travel
For the most part,
any kind of travel you feel comfortable with is nor harmful.
Special considerations should be taken if you are planning on
flying.
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Seatbelts
A lot of women wonder
if it is still safe to use a seatbelt while pregnant. In fact,
it is very important that you buckle up correctly at this time.
Sit tall, and place the belt as low as possible on your hips,
below the baby. Wear the shoulder harness as well as it
gives you and the baby important added protection.
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Smoking
Smoking is proven to
be a health hazard and increases the risk of miscarriage and
still birth. Mothers who smoke have a higher risk of having
a baby born too early. Research shows that babies exposed
to smoke are twice as likely to die from SIDS. Even through
you do not smoke, you should limit your exposure to second have
smoke as it increases your pregnancy risk factors.
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Alcohol
When you drink, so
does your baby. Drinking during pregnancy can cause Fetal Alcohol
Syndrome. FAS children can suffer lifelong illnesses because
of their mothers use of alcohol during pregnancy.
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Medications
Medicine that you take
can affect the baby. It is very important that you let
the midwife know of all medications you are taking, including
over the counter and prescriptions. Do not take any medications
unless the midwife says it is okay.
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If
you should have any additional questions or concerns, please
call our office and the midwife will take the time to discuss
them with you. There is also very valuable information
in our patient library. |