Pregnancy Health

 if you have any additional  questions, feel free to contact us or leave a comment at the bottom of the page!

 

What should I eat and avoid eating during pregnancy?
A wholesome pregnancy diet includes much of the same elements as a healthy diet outside of pregnancy.  It should be balanced, and rich in vitamins and minerals- particularly folic acid, iron, calcium, and vitamin D.  Taking a prenatal vitamin can help, but these nutrients are fairly easy to acquire through food.
Experts recommend that the consumption of certain foods be minimized during pregnancy.  These include uncooked or undercooked animal products, as well as certain species of fish that have high concentrations of mercury and other environmental toxins.

 

How much weight should I gain?
On average, pregnant women gain between 25 and 35 pounds over nine months.  However, the amount of weight you should gain varies based on your pre-pregnancy weight and other factors.  Most weight gain occurs in the second half of pregnancy, so don’t worry if you don’t gain weight right away.

 

What drugs are safe to use during pregnancy?
Alcohol, tobacco, and illicit substances should be avoided completely during pregnancy.  Prescription and over-the-counter medications are classified by the FDA into five groups:

Category A	Studies in humans have shown that drug is safe during pregnancy.
Category B	Animal studies show no risk and human studies have not been done, or animal studies show a risk but human studies do not.
Category C	No studies are available, or no human studies are available but animal studies have shown a risk.
Category D	Studies show that the drug is dangerous during pregnancy, but it may be used if the benefits outweigh the risks and alternative medication is unavailable.
Category X	Drug should never be used during pregnancy.

To find out which categories your medications belong to, search here and speak to your pharmacist.

 

How can I exercise?
Talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise regimen.  Popular pregnancy exercises include swimming, pilates, and yoga.  Avoid contact sports.

 

What are my childbirth options?
The majority of American mothers give birth in a hospital.  This allows for quick medical response in the event of an emergency, and for pain management options like epidural block.  However, home birth has become more popular in recent years.  If you are interested in home birth, ask your obstetrician for a referral to a midwife or doula.