One of the first medical concerns you will probably have is finding out if you're really pregnant. For many women, the first sign they are pregnant is a missed menstrual period, but it could be different for you. Other signs and symptoms may make you suspect you are pregnant. As your pregnancy progresses, you may experience nausea (with or without vomiting), frequent urination, fatigue, breast changes and breast tenderness.
You have an incredible effect on the health of your growing baby. Planning for pregnancy is important. Even more important is how you treat yourself (and the developing fetus) during your pregnancy. Good nutrition, proper exercise, sufficient rest and taking care of yourself all have an effect on your pregnancy. Your health care affects your pregnancy and how well you tolerate being pregnant.
I cover many aspects of health care during pregnancy. In this chapter you will read what prenatal care is and what kind of care to expect during pregnancy, choosing whom you want to take care of you, how to deal with morning sickness, how your health affects your baby, discomforts you may experience, special pregnancy concerns and what to do about pre-existing medical conditions. It's a fairly long chapter, so read only those sections that concern you at this time. Then read about other areas as they become important to you.
To get the best medical treatment you can during pregnancy, call your doctor for an appointment as soon as you believe you might be pregnant.
