Congratulations! You have just found out that you have been blessed with a miracle growing inside you! So, what is next? You will want to get your first prenatal appointment set up then after that there are a few things you can do to prepare for the appointment and help prepare your body to carry this amazing gift!
You should start taking prenatal vitamins. This will help make sure you are getting all the minerals and vitamins you need for a healthy pregnancy. There are tons of options out there, but you just want to make sure it has at least 400 mcg of folic acid. Prenatal vitamins are also vital for the baby’s neural tube to develop appropriately thanks to the folate in the vitamin.
Other things you want to make sure that are in the vitamin you choose are calcium, vitamin A, C, D, E and B12, zinc, copper, and magnesium.
Discuss with your doctor what other medications you are currently taking and if they are safe for the baby. Also make sure to double check what over-the-counter meds you are allowed to take for headaches, common colds, allergies, or other illnesses that could arise prior to your appointment.
Discontinue use of alcohol, tobacco products and any other substances you may be using. Any of these items put your baby and your health at risk during pregnancy. Using them can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, disabilities and developmental issues for the baby’s brain and lungs. Reduce the amount of caffeine you drink each day. It is recommended women who are pregnant only have 200 mg or less of caffeine per day. That equals out to about 2 cups of coffee. So be mindful of the amount of soda, tea, or even dark chocolate that you are consuming.
Make sure you are fueling your body properly to provide good nutrients for you and the baby to grow and develop. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water and eating meals containing lots of vitamins and minerals, complex carbs, healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
Finally call Options for Pregnancy’s helpline for any questions or concerns you may have about your pregnancy. These individuals are there to help you every step of the way. They can help you find resources, answer questions, counsel, and prayer to aid you wherever you are in pregnancy. Life is a blessing and oh so precious, especially when that life is a vulnerable baby in the womb.