5 Ways to Make the Most of Prenatal Care

The first 90 or so days of your pregnancy are known as the first trimester. It’s a critical time for your baby’s development, so it’s important you schedule a prenatal visit as soon as you discover you’re pregnant. Staying on top of your prenatal care can help you keep yourself and the baby healthy during the nine months of pregnancy and subsequent delivery.  

At Physicians for Women in Madison, Wisconsin, our team of women’s health specialists, including board-certified obstetricians and certified nurse midwives, are here to advise you and help you manage your prenatal care. Here’s how to make the most of this all-important resource.

1. Tell your care provider about all of your symptoms

Many symptoms, including physical and emotional ones, are likely to appear during the first few months of your pregnancy. Make sure to tell us if you’re having any of the following, as in many cases we can help to relieve discomfort and help you feel better. You might experience:

• Morning sickness (nausea and vomiting)
• Headaches, fatigue, and mood swings
• Heartburn, constipation, and/or upset stomach
• Increased urination
• Breast tenderness

We want you to be as comfortable as possible during your pregnancy, and alleviating your symptoms is an important part of prenatal care.

2. Eat and hydrate properly

If you’re having trouble keeping food and liquids down, or aren’t sure what’s best to eat and drink to support your baby’s growth, talk to us. Our experts can help you lay out a sensible nutrition plan and ensure your body is getting all the support it needs to maintain your own health and grow a healthy baby. We recommend a diet full of natural, unprocessed foods and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as lots of water.

3. Take your prenatal vitamins

We’ll also prescribe you prenatal vitamins to help make sure you’re getting enough of the building blocks used to sustain new life. We specifically want to ensure you’re getting enough folic acid, calcium, iodine, iron, and vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, and E. If these upset your tummy in the first trimester, don’t worry. We can adapt your recommended doses, give you a short break so your stomach can stabilize, or recommend a different brand to help you find the right blend for you. 

4. Stay active

Exercising during pregnancy can help prepare your body for birth. If you already have a workout regimen, talk to us about it, and we can recommend any adaptations you may need to make as your pregnancy progresses. Many moms-to-be enjoy doing yoga, and we also prefer you to begin doing Kegel exercises throughout your pregnancy to strengthen your pelvic floor.

5. Keep all of your prenatal care appointments

We’ll be doing various tests throughout your pregnancy to check on your health and the health of your baby. Expect regular urinalysis, blood draws, and ultrasounds to make sure everything is well and to identify any issues early on so we can give you and your baby the best and safest possible outcome. We can also discuss your preferred birth plan during these visits. 

Regular prenatal care is a natural, much-needed part of your pregnancy. Don’t have a prenatal plan yet? Get in touch with the team at Physicians for Women by calling 608-218-4835, or book an appointment online.