Pregnant? 5 Dos and Don'ts Before Your First Appointment

Finding out you are pregnant can be an exciting time. It can also make expectant mothers nervous for the health of their baby, and if this is their first baby, they're likely also anxious about what to do and what to expect. Your obstetrician will let you know everything you need to know, but while you wait for that first appointment, here are some dos and don'ts.

Do Watch What You Eat

Pregnancy isn't the time to go on a diet, but it also isn't the time to drastically increase your food intake, either. Women who gain too much weight during pregnancy have a greater chance of developing gestational diabetes and an increased risk of delivering via Caesarean section as well as cause other health problems for both you and the baby.

Focus on eating nutrient-rich, healthy whole foods and eliminating processed foods and those that are high in sugar. When you meet with your obstetrician, they will give recommendations on how much you should increase your caloric intake and the types of foods you should eat as well as eliminate.

Don't Smoke, Drink or Use Drugs

Any alcohol you drink, cigarettes you smoke or drugs you use will pass through the placenta and reach your baby. The Australian Government's Department of Health recommends that women who are trying to conceive, pregnant women and breastfeeding women avoid alcohol completely to avoid complications. If you are a smoker or illicit drug user, be sure to tell the clinic when you call to make your first prenatal appointment. The doctor may schedule your appointment sooner or provide you with resources to help quit your habits.

Do Tell Your Obstetrician Which Medications You Take

When you call to schedule your first appointment, you will also want to mention any over-the-counter or prescription medicines you routinely take. While some medications you can safely stop, other medications may be necessary to your health and wellness. However, some of your medications may be switched to ones that are deemed safer for your baby.

Do Take a Multivitamin

Some nutrients, such as folic acid, are extremely important in embryo and foetal development. Many obstetricians will have their nurse contact new patients before their first appointment to discuss the importance of taking a multivitamin daily. If the clinic doesn't provide you with this information, be sure to call and ask what they recommend you take.

Don't Clean the Litter Box

If you have a cat, someone else needs to take on the litter box chore while you're pregnant. Cat faeces are teeming with bacteria and parasites that can be dangerous to a pregnant woman and their foetus.