There’s nothing more important during pregnancy than taking care of yourself and your baby. Getting the right prenatal care is one of the best ways to do this, which means you’ll be seeing a lot of your doctor during the next 9 months.

Prenatal visits

During your first appointment, your doctor will probably start by asking about your medical history and how you’ve been feeling. You’ll probably be weighed and have your blood pressure checked at every visit.

Your first visit will probably also include a pelvic exam to check the size and shape of your uterus (womb) and to check for vaginal infections, and a Pap smear to screen for signs of cancer of the cervix (the opening of the uterus).

Urine and blood tests may be done at the first visit and again later. A urine test is done to check for bacteria in your urine, high sugar levels (which can be a sign of diabetes) and high protein levels (which can be a sign of preeclampsia, a type of high blood pressure in pregnancy). Blood tests are done to check for low iron levels (anemia) and infections.

Sometimes, an ultrasound may be done to help figure out when your baby is due, or to check on your baby’s growth and position in your uterus. An ultrasound uses sound waves to create an image of your baby on a video screen.

If you or your baby are at risk for certain health problems, your doctor may also recommend other tests during your pregnancy.

Common discomforts

While you are pregnant, you may experience some common discomforts. During your prenatal visits, you should talk with your doctor if you have any questions about these conditions. Here are some tips for handling them:

Morning sickness. Nausea or vomiting may strike anytime during the day (or night). Try eating frequent, small meals and avoid greasy foods. Keep crackers by your bed to eat before you get up. Talk with your doctor if morning sickness lasts past the first 3 months of pregnancy or causes you to lose weight.

Fatigue. Sometimes, fatigue in pregnancy is caused by anemia, so tell your doctor. Get enough rest. Take a daytime nap whenever you can.

Leg cramps. Gently stretch the calf of your leg by curling your toes upward, toward your knee.

Constipation. Drink plenty of fluids. Eat foods with lots of fiber, such as raisins and bran cereal. Don’t take laxatives without talking with your doctor first. Stool softeners may be safer than laxatives.

Hemorrhoids. Don’t strain during bowel movements. Try to avoid becoming constipated. Clean yourself well after a bowel movement (wet wipes may be less irritating than toilet paper). Take several warm soaks (sitz baths) a day.

Urinating more often. You may need to urinate more often as your baby grows because he or she will put pressure on your bladder. This can’t be helped.

Varicose veins. Avoid clothing that fits tightly around your legs or waist. Rest and put your feet up as much as you can. Move around if you must stand for long periods. Ask your doctor about support hose.

Moodiness. During pregnancy, your hormones can make it seem like you’re riding an emotional roller coaster. Plus, your life is changing a lot. Don’t be too hard on yourself. If you feel very sad or think about suicide, talk to your doctor.

Heartburn. Eat frequent, small meals. Avoid spicy or greasy foods. Don’t lie down right after you eat. Ask your doctor about taking antacids.

Yeast infections. The amount of normal vaginal fluids increases during pregnancy. This may be enough to seem like a discharge. Yeast infections, which can also cause discharge, are more common during
pregnancy. It’s a good idea to talk with your doctor about any unusual discharge.

Bleeding gums. Brush and floss regularly, and see your dentist for cleanings. Don’t put off dental visits because you’re pregnant, but be sure to tell your dentist that you’re expecting.

Stuffy nose. This is related to changes in the levels of the female hormone estrogen. You may also have nosebleeds.

Edema (retaining fluid). Rest with your legs up. Lie on your left side while sleeping so blood flows from your legs back to your heart better. Don’t use diuretics (water pills). If you’re thinking about cutting down on salt to reduce swelling, talk with your doctor first. Your body needs enough salt to maintain the balance of fluid and cutting back on salt may not be the best way to manage your swelling.

Skin changes. Stretch marks appear as red marks on your skin. Lotion can help keep your skin moist and may help reduce the itchiness of dry skin. Stretch marks really can’t be prevented but they often fade after pregnancy. Other skin changes may include darkening of the skin on your face and around your nipples, and a dark line below your belly button. Staying out of the sun or using a sunscreen may help lessen these marks. They’ll probably fade after pregnancy.

Your Doctor Needs to Know

Call your doctor if you have:

■ Blood or fluid coming from your vagina.
■ Sudden or extreme swelling of your face or fingers.
■ Headaches that are severe or won’t go away.
■ Nausea and vomiting that won’t go away.
■ Dizziness.
■ Dim or blurry vision.
■ Pain or cramps in your lower abdomen.
■ A change in your baby’s movements.
■ Less urine or burning when you urinate.
■ Any illness or infection.
■ Anything that bothers you.

Warnings worth heeding

Don’t do this, don’t do that. You’ve probably heard it all. Here are some warnings worth heeding:

Don’t smoke. Smoking raises your risk for miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight and many other problems.
Don’t use illegal drugs. They increase your risk of miscarriage, premature birth and birth defects, and your baby could be born addicted to the drug you’ve been taking.
Don’t drink alcohol. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause physical and mental birth defects.
Don’t clean your cat’s litter box, or eat raw or undercooked red meat. You could get toxoplasmosis, a disease that can cause birth defects.
Don’t sit in the sauna or hot tub. This raises your risk of miscarriage and birth defects.
Don’t douche without talking to your doctor first. Douching could force air into the vagina, which can cause an air embolism.