Getting early and regular prenatal care is important for the health of both mother and the developing baby. Are you doing these things?
* Get at least 400 micrograms of folic acid every day to help prevent many types of neural tube defects.
* Be properly vaccinated for certain diseases (such as chicken pox and rubella) that could harm a developing fetus—it is important to have the vaccinations before becoming pregnant
* Maintain a healthy weight and diet and getting regular physical activity before, during, and after pregnancy
* Avoid smoking, alcohol, or drug use before, during, and after pregnancy
The amount of weight you need to gain during pregnancy depends upon how much you weighed before you became pregnant. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) women who have a normal weight before getting pregnant should gain 25 to 35 pounds. Women who are underweight before pregnancy should gain 28 to 40 pounds. And women who are overweight should gain 15 to 25 pounds. Ask your obstetrician specifically about your weight gain if you have concerns.
You need about 300 extra calories a day, especially later in your pregnancy when your baby grows quickly. If you're very thin or very active you'll need even more. Try to maintain a well-balanced diet that incorporates the dietary guidelines including:
* lean meats
* fruits
* vegetables
* whole-grain breads
* low-fat dairy product
By eating a healthy, balanced diet you're more likely to get the nutrients you need. But you will need more of the essential nutrients (especially calcium, iron, and folic acid) than you did before you became pregnant. Your health care provider will prescribe prenatal vitamins to be sure both you and your growing baby are getting enough.
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