pregnancy care

The information given in my hub is based on my experiences. This in no way should be replaced by your doctor. This is just my own opinion.Always go by what your physician says.

If you think you are pregnant it is very important to see a doctor as soon as possible. This will ensure that you and the baby is and stays healthy.

You should see your doctor on a regular basis. Dont skip appointments. This is vital in keeping your baby and yourself safe.

Make sure the doctor knows about:

• YOUR FAMILIES MEDICAL HISTORY
• YOUR FAMILIES HISTORY WITH PREGNANCY
• ANY SICKNESSES THAT YOUR FAMILY HAS HAD
• ANY OTHER PREGNANCIES YOU MAY HAVE HAD
• ANY SICKNESSES THAT YOU HAVE OR HAVE HAD
• ASK ABOUT PROGRAMS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

Things your doctor should do on your first visit:

• EXAMINE YOU AND GIVE YOU A COMPLETE PHYSICAL
• LISTEN TO YOUR HEART AND LUNGS
• LOOK AT YOUR SKIN AND ANKLES FOR SWELLING
• CHECK YOUR BLOOD AND RUN TEST
• SHOTS IF NEEDED
• LOOK AT YOUR EYES,EARS,NOSE AND THROAT
• DO AN ULTRASOUND TO LISTEN TO THE BABY
• CHECK BABIES HEART RATE
• GIVE YOU INSTRUCTIONS ON BABY AND PREGNANCY
• GIVE YOU INFORMATION ABOUT GIVING BIRTH AND CARE OF YOUR BODY

The doctor should:

• CHECK YOUR WEIGHT
• CHECK YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE AND VITAL SOUNDS
• CHECK YOUR URINE
• MEASURE YOUR STOMACH
• CHECK THE BABIES HEART RATE AND SOUND
• ASK ABOUT COMPLICATIONS YOU MAY BE HAVING
• ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE
• ASK YOU ABOUT SWELLING
• CHECK TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE NOT HAVING ANY LEAKING OF FLUIDS FROM YOUR VAGINA
• ASSURE YOU THAT YOU NEED TO TAKE YOUR VITAMINS
• CHECK TO SEE IF YOU ARE EATING RIGHT
• MAKE SURE YOU ARE NOT SMOKING, DRINKING OR DOING DRUGS
• MAKE SURE YOU ARE NOT DEPRESSED
• ASK ABOUT BODY CHANGES
• ASK ABOUT FAMILY ISSUES

Your doctor will let you know what to expect when you go into labor. He should tell you how you will know when you are in labor. He should tell you what you will feel(All women are different so not every person may have the same symptoms). Your doctor should explain how long you should wait once you start having contractions. And how they feel. What to do if your water breaks.

You will have followup appointments after the baby is born. This is very important for your health and the followup care of your baby. The baby should now have a pediatrician.