First Trimester Archives - Prenate Vitamin Family https://prenate.com/category/stages-of-pregnancy/first-trimester/ Prenatal Vitamins with Folic Acid and DHA Thu, 10 Oct 2024 04:18:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://prenate.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Prenate_Favicon.png First Trimester Archives - Prenate Vitamin Family https://prenate.com/category/stages-of-pregnancy/first-trimester/ 32 32 Frequent Urination During Pregnancy and What You Can Do About It https://prenate.com/frequent-urination-during-pregnancy/ Tue, 28 Dec 2021 11:42:38 +0000 https://prenate.com/?p=6321 Are you pregnant and finding yourself getting familiar with the inside of the ladies’ room? Frequent urination is common during... Read More

The post Frequent Urination During Pregnancy and What You Can Do About It appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

]]>
Pregnant women holding bladderAre you pregnant and finding yourself getting familiar with the inside of the ladies’ room? Frequent urination is common during pregnancy, especially for first-time moms. Learn more about the causes of frequent urination and what you can do to manage it.

Causes of Frequent Urination During Pregnancy

Thanks to the increased levels of the pregnancy hormone HCG and progesterone, the blood flow to your kidneys increases during pregnancy, causing you to visit the bathroom more frequently. While you might start seeing this common symptom as early as the first couple of weeks after conception, most women experience the urgency to urinate starting at week 10. That’s when the uterus begins putting pressure on the bladder.1

Symptoms of Frequent Urination

Frequent urination can be one of the first signs of pregnancy, and the urgency can increase during the first trimester. In addition to the frequency, leakage – also called stress urinary incontinence (SUI) – can occur during certain events, including2:

  • sneezing
  • coughing
  • laughing
  • exercising
  • lifting
  • walking

How to Manage Frequent Urination

Want to gain control over your frequent flow? Here are some suggestions.

Practice Kegel exercises. These exercises can strengthen the muscles of the pelvis and urethra and support the bladder. Kegel exercises are performed by first relaxing the abdomen, chest, thighs, and bottom. Next, contract the pelvic floor and hold for 5 seconds to 10 seconds. Relax the muscles for 5 to 10 seconds, then repeat the exercises 10 times.

Empty your bladder completely. Each time you go to the bathroom, lean forward as you urinate.

Cut back on fluids before bed. This will keep you from getting up in the middle of the night.

Avoid caffeine. Caffeine is a diuretic, and it will cause you to have to urinate more frequently.

While it may be tempting to skimp on fluids during the day to help reduce trips to the bathroom, don’t! Staying hydrated during pregnancy is extremely important. You should drink eight to 12 cups of water a day.3

 

Prenate® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

Frequent urination during pregnancy Pinterest graphic

The post Frequent Urination During Pregnancy and What You Can Do About It appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

]]>
A Weekly Breakdown of Common Pregnancy Symptoms https://prenate.com/a-weekly-breakdown-of-common-pregnancy-symptoms/ Fri, 17 Dec 2021 11:30:15 +0000 https://prenate.com/?p=6314 Pregnant women experience a wide range of changes to their bodies from conception through delivery. And while no two moms-to-be... Read More

The post A Weekly Breakdown of Common Pregnancy Symptoms appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

]]>
Close-up of pregnant bellyPregnant women experience a wide range of changes to their bodies from conception through delivery. And while no two moms-to-be will share an identical pregnancy journey, there are some symptoms that many pregnant women have in common.

Here is a week-by-week overview of what you can expect during your pregnancy.

Weeks 1 to 4

During this time, symptoms are similar to menstruation: mild cramping, spotting, sore breasts, mood swings, constipation, bloating, fatigue, and a heightened sense of smell or taste. And, of course, a missed period.

Weeks 5 to 8

Some of the same symptoms from the first month carry over, including breast tenderness, fatigue, frequent urination, bloating, and mood swings. Here’s where morning sickness begins for many women, as well as headaches that can be brought on from caffeine withdrawal. Extra saliva production is also common.

Weeks 9 to 12

Morning sickness is still around, as well as a few new symptoms, including weight gain, increased clear vaginal discharge, digestive issues, visible veins, and round ligament pain in the lower belly. You’ll also start to notice a small baby bump and larger breasts. Acne is also a possibility, although some women experience a radiant pregnancy glow.

Weeks 13 to 16

At the end of the first trimester, dizziness and clumsiness may occur. You may also notice darker skin pigmentation, sensitive gums, a stuffy nose, and leg cramps. Mamas-to-be can also expect an increased appetite, increased energy, and increased libido!

Weeks 17 to 20

As baby grows, so do the backaches. Symptoms such as stretch marks, heartburn, constipation, swelling in the hands and feet, dry eyes, and varicose veins are also common. “Pregnancy brain” or increased forgetfulness is also possible. But something to look forward to – your baby begins to kick!

Weeks 21 to 24

Growing baby will put more pressure on your hips, groin, and abdomen and cause shortness of breath, which can lead to snoring. You’ll also see an outie belly button. Your hair and nails will grow fast, but your libido will slow down. You may also see some bleeding in your gums.

Weeks 25 to 28

With the approach of the third trimester comes general aches and pains, but also some strange new symptoms. Carpal tunnel syndrome caused by swelling and fluid retention in the hands and hemorrhoids are possible. All these new symptoms can lead to problems sleeping.

Weeks 29 to 32

As your body prepares to give birth, you may notice leaky breasts. You also may experience false labor pains that come and go; these are known as Braxton Hicks contractions. Some other symptoms from your first trimester may also return, such as fatigue and frequent urination.

Weeks 33 to 36

Your little one is letting their presence be known! Braxton Hicks contractions will continue, and so will the kicks! As baby moves down lower, you’ll experience some pelvic pain, but breathing will get easier.

Weeks 37 to 42

Symptoms such as swelling, frequent urination, insomnia, and pelvic pain will continue until baby’s arrival. You’ll also lose your “mucus plug” about two weeks before labor. As labor nears, you’ll experience an increase in contractions, back pain, and dull abdominal pain, and restlessness.

If your brain is spinning, understand that you may or may not experience these common symptoms. If something doesn’t feel right, you should always trust your instincts and contact your doctor when you have concerns.

 

Prenate® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

Common pregnancy symptoms Pinterest graphic

The post A Weekly Breakdown of Common Pregnancy Symptoms appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

]]>
Pregnant for the First Time? Here’s What to Expect in the First Trimester https://prenate.com/what-to-expect-in-the-first-trimester/ Wed, 11 Aug 2021 13:02:40 +0000 https://prenate.com/?p=6112 Congratulations on becoming a soon-to-be new mom! Being pregnant is an exciting experience, but it can also be accompanied by... Read More

The post Pregnant for the First Time? Here’s What to Expect in the First Trimester appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

]]>
Pregnant woman in bedCongratulations on becoming a soon-to-be new mom! Being pregnant is an exciting experience, but it can also be accompanied by the unknown. Throughout the weird symptoms and fluctuating emotions, remember this: It is perfectly okay to feel freaked out and conflicted. Here are some changes you may likely face in the first 12 weeks after fertilization.

Baby Bump

Obviously! You’re developing little one will start demanding more and more room as the weeks progress, taking over your midsection. You’ll start to see that shiny new baby bump and probably a bit of weight gain.

Tender, Swollen Breasts

One of the first indications you might be pregnant is tender breasts. Hormonal changes can make your breasts sensitive and sore. Once your body adjusts to the changes, the tenderness will likely subside after a few weeks.

Unexpected Mood Changes

There probably isn’t an emotion you won’t experience at some point during your pregnancy. In the first trimester, moms-to-be might feel happy, anxious, tired, sad, and impatient – all within an hour or five minutes of each other. Producing a tiny human adds emotional stress to your life, so just be prepared for some bumps in the road.

Food Cravings

Fifty to 90% of women have specific food cravings during pregnancy.1 Blame it on the rapid-fire hormones or maybe just the comfort these specific tastes bring. Some common cravings include ice cream and candy, cheese, starchy carbs, and fast food. But don’t be alarmed if your cravings lean to the strange. Boiled eggs and horseradish, anyone?

Morning Sickness

Hormones are the culprit once again, triggering waves of sea sickness-like nausea, which is typically worse in the mornings but can happen any time of the day or night. Morning sickness often occurs from an aversion to certain smells and foods or after eating. With or without vomiting, morning sickness won’t cause any harm to your baby.2

Frequent Urination

You may find yourself visiting the little girl’s room more often during your first trimester. That’s because your body increases its amount of blood flow when you are pregnant, which then causes your kidneys to process extra fluids that end up in your bladder. At the same time, your growing uterus begins to push against your bladder. Sticking with water, milk, or 100% juice instead of caffeinated beverages can help decrease your need to go.

Skin Changes

That “pregnancy glow” is a real thing, and it just might be the one bodily change you look forward to! The increased hormone levels cause your glands to produce more oil, making your face shiny. And the increased blood circulation gives you that rosy look.

 

Prenate® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

Your First Trimester Pinterest graphic

The post Pregnant for the First Time? Here’s What to Expect in the First Trimester appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

]]>
Dressing for a Summer Pregnancy https://prenate.com/dressing-for-a-summer-pregnancy/ Fri, 06 Aug 2021 12:30:57 +0000 https://prenate.com/?p=6105 Soon-to-be moms, you have a lot to look forward to, but being pregnant during the summer may not be one... Read More

The post Dressing for a Summer Pregnancy appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

]]>
Pregnant woman on the beachSoon-to-be moms, you have a lot to look forward to, but being pregnant during the summer may not be one of them. When it comes to clothing, you want something that’s comfortable when temps are at their peak and looks great too! We’ve compiled a list of outfits and advice to help you stay cool this season without sacrificing style.

Choose Fabrics Wisely

Before you add that super-cute maxi dress to your shopping cart, find out what it’s made of. The secret to staying cool during your summer pregnancy starts with lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, chambray, or rayon. These fabrics have thin fibers. That means they breathe more than other fabrics, so they’re less likely to stick to your body. The lighter and airier, the better. Here’s a cute cotton chambray belted maternity shirt dress from Seraphine that checks a lot of boxes.

Consider the Color

Instantly infuse a summer vibe into your wardrobe with whites, pinks, baby blues, yellows, creams, beiges, and even grays. Basic physics proves that darker colors absorb more light, so they’ll be hotter. Light colors reflect the sunlight, making them a cooler option in the summer. And mamas-to-be, don’t be afraid to rock some jewel tones too. Not only will they get you noticed, but they might actually boost your mood. How about this adorable yellow floral smocked ruffle maternity dress from Pink Blush for some inspiration?

Wear a Comfortable Bra

Bras are already uncomfortable. When you’re pregnant, they can be downright unbearable. Now, add in summer’s heat, and you’ve got a recipe for mammary misery. The first rule: wear a bra that doesn’t have an underwire. Choose one that’s soft, stretchy (but supportive), and adjustable. Or one that could actually cool you off! Polar Products makes a pair of bra cooler inserts that deliver comfort in all the right places.

Layer Up or Down to Stay Cool

Jumping back and forth between air-conditioned spaces and the outdoors can leave you feeling confused about how to dress for ever-changing temperatures. Layering is key for your summer pregnancy. Make your first layer a sleeveless dress and top it with a denim jacket, a lightweight button down, or a cute kimono like this look on Pinterest that you can easily take off when you start to feel a little dewy.

Wear Stylish Sandals

Lucky for you, sandals are the perfect solution for your tired, swollen feet and toes this summer. No more shoving them into tight shoes! And good news – sandals come in an unlimited supply of cute, frilly, sexy, and just-for-fun styles! Remember that your feet will probably grow during pregnancy, so pick sandals that are wide and cushiony for the most comfort. Check out these saucy leopard print wedges from Dr. Scholl’s.

You are now equipped with fashionable and functional wardrobe tips for the season – so go and enjoy your summer pregnancy!

 

Prenate® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

Dressing for pregnancy Pinterest graphic

The post Dressing for a Summer Pregnancy appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

]]>
Tips for Staying Hydrated While Pregnant https://prenate.com/tips-for-staying-hydrated-while-pregnant/ Fri, 11 Jun 2021 09:11:40 +0000 https://prenate.com/?p=6022 Dehydration is a serious concern for everyone during the hot summer months, but if you are expecting, you’re at a... Read More

The post Tips for Staying Hydrated While Pregnant appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

]]>
Pregnant woman drinking waterDehydration is a serious concern for everyone during the hot summer months, but if you are expecting, you’re at a greater risk for complications such as neural tube defects, low amniotic fluid, inadequate breast milk production, and premature labor. Getting the right amount of water every day, and avoiding certain activities, will ensure you and baby-to-be remain hydrated.

Recognizing Dehydration

When your body loses water faster than you can replenish it, and it struggles to keep up with its normal functions, that’s dehydration. Mild to moderate dehydration during pregnancy can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

  • Dark yellow urine
  • Dry, sticky mouth
  • Lethargy
  • Thirst
  • Decreased need to urinate
  • Headache
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness

Replacing lost water is crucial. But there are other things you can do to ensure that you and your baby-to-be are staying hydrated this summer while you’re pregnant. Here we share some valuable tips.

Drink Lots of Water

Water is the secret to staying hydrated. When you are expecting, water is even more crucial because it helps form amniotic fluid, produce extra blood, build new tissue, carry nutrients, enhance digestion, and flush out wastes and toxins. That’s a tall order, meaning you need more water than normal. The average person needs eight 8-ounce glasses a day, but moms-to-be should drink at least eight to 12 glasses a day.1

Increasing water intake can be a struggle, especially if you aren’t a fan of plain water. Here are few suggestions to make it easier:

  • Infuse water with fruit or cucumbers.
  • Swap out regular water for sparkling water.
  • Set a timer to remind yourself to drink water throughout the day.
  • Use an app that helps you track your water intake.
  • Carry a reusable bottle with you when you are out and about.
  • Drink a glass before every meal.

Eat More Foods High in Water Content

Water doesn’t have to come from a glass or a bottle. There are lots of fruits and vegetables that have high water content. Plus, they’re packed with vitamins and minerals, and antioxidants that are good for you and your little one-to-be! Here are some fruits and veggies to try2:

  • Watermelon: 92% water
  • Strawberries: 91% water
  • Cantaloupe: 90% water
  • Peaches: 89% water
  • Celery: 95% water
  • Cucumber: 95% water
  • Lettuce: 96% water

Avoid Activities that Cause Overheating

If you are pregnant, you’re more likely to become overheated during the warmer seasons. That means you may want to put activities you used to enjoy pre-pregnancy on hold until after delivery. Here are some activities you should avoid:

  • Exercising outdoors.
  • Exercising in closed, hot rooms.
  • Cooking in the kitchen on warm days.
  • Soaking in hot tubs or relaxing in saunas.

Limit Time Spent Outside in Hot Climates

Getting outside in the warm summer months is tempting but can create unique risks to expecting moms. Pregnant women who have a body temperature above 102.2 degrees are at greater risk for heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration.3 Of course that doesn’t mean you can’t get outside and enjoy the weather – just limit your exposure and make sure you are well hydrated!

 

Prenate® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

Staying hydrated while pregnant

The post Tips for Staying Hydrated While Pregnant appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

]]>
Can Pregnant Women Donate Blood? https://prenate.com/can-pregnant-women-donate-blood/ Sun, 06 Jun 2021 14:34:32 +0000 https://prenate.com/?p=6015 Donating blood is a selfless act of kindness that so many people take part in to save the lives of... Read More

The post Can Pregnant Women Donate Blood? appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

]]>
Woman holding plastic heartDonating blood is a selfless act of kindness that so many people take part in to save the lives of others in need. And maybe as a mom-to-be, you’re feeling an urge to be nurturing and wondering if you can give blood. Unfortunately, pregnant women are not eligible to donate blood.

Why You Can’t Donate Blood if You Are Pregnant

Simply put, you and your developing baby need all of your blood and iron you can get. Even though the amount of blood in your body increases by about 50%1 while you are pregnant, making that additional blood requires greater amounts of iron and vitamins. Low iron levels can occur from blood loss – such as when you donate blood – and trigger a condition known as anemia.

Anemia is fairly common during pregnancy, and 52% of pregnant women develop iron deficiency anemia.2 If left untreated, the condition could lead to preterm birth, low birth weight, prolonged anemia and developmental delays, postpartum depression, and a longer recovery period baby’s birth.

Donating Blood in the Future

Moms can give blood at least six weeks after giving birth, according to the American Red Cross. However, if new moms are breastfeeding, the World Health Organization advises against donating blood and waiting nine months after the pregnancy has ended.3 If you are breastfeeding, your newborn will be relying on you for nutrients and vitamins found in breast milk. Donating blood could deplete them.

Other Ways to Give Back

While new moms patiently wait to be able to give the gift of blood once again, there are other ways you can give back to your communities.

  • Host a blood drive. Just because you can’t give blood doesn’t mean you can’t help others give. Working with the assistance of the Red Cross, you can find a location for a blood drive, recruit volunteers, and recruit and schedule donors.
  • Make a financial contribution. Donating money enables the Red Cross to maintain an ongoing blood supply and provide humanitarian support to people in need.
  • Donate your umbilical cord blood. After your baby is born, you can donate the cord blood to a cord blood bank. This special blood supply contains stem cells that can be used to treat people with life-threatening diseases, including leukemia, sickle cell disease, and immune system disorders. It can also save the life of someone in need of a blood transfusion. If this is something you would like to do, discuss the process with your doctor well in advance of your delivery date.

 

Prenate® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

Pregnant women donating blood Pinterest graphic

The post Can Pregnant Women Donate Blood? appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

]]>
Healthy Soda Alternatives for Pregnancy https://prenate.com/healthy-soda-alternatives-for-pregnancy/ Mon, 26 Apr 2021 14:17:08 +0000 https://prenate.com/?p=5955 Do your pregnancy cravings include sugary carbonated beverages? Don’t worry, you are perfectly normal! Most women’s cravings lean toward the... Read More

The post Healthy Soda Alternatives for Pregnancy appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

]]>
Pregnant woman holding teaDo your pregnancy cravings include sugary carbonated beverages? Don’t worry, you are perfectly normal! Most women’s cravings lean toward the unhealthy. Although soda every now and then may not be the worst thing expecting moms can reach for, women who want healthier alternatives do have options. Here are a few suggestions that will still give you the fizz and flavor you hanker for – just healthier.

Sparkling Mineral Water

Staying hydrated is important for expecting moms, but sometimes plain old water seems boring. Sparkling mineral water gives you the effervescence of a soda without the sugars, artificial coloring, and flavors. Sparkling mineral water comes from a spring and contains salts and sulfur compounds that create natural carbonation. And it has zero calories.

Seltzer

If you are trying to kick your soda habit, seltzer is another way to satisfy your craving. Seltzer’s carbonation comes from added carbon dioxide, not from spring-like sparkling mineral water. If it’s sweet you crave, add a little flavor to your seltzer with some healthy fruit slices or a dash of your favorite all-natural, no-sugar-added juice.

Both sparkling mineral water and plain seltzer have zero calories. Still, several bottled and canned options on the market contain artificial flavors and added sugar, so make sure you read the labels. You can also make your own carbonated water at home by infusing water with carbon dioxide using a soda siphon or soda machine.

Infused Water

Maybe you’re in the mood for sweetness, but not the bubbles. Infused waters are a great, healthy choice to keep you hydrated. And they are so simple to make. Just add your favorite fruits, vegetables, and even herbs to a pitcher, pour plain water (or use sparkling or seltzer if you like) over the produce, and then chill for two to three hours. Yum! The best part is you can eat the fruit once the water is all gone! Try these recipes from Eating Bird Food for Strawberry Thyme, Rosemary Raspberry, and Blueberry Basil infused water, or come up with your own creations.

Cold Brewed Green Tea

Cold brewed green tea (or hot if you prefer) has slightly less caffeine than regular tea and is rich in antioxidants, which is especially important for expecting moms.1 There is no shortage of off-the-shelf bottles of green tea in the supermarket, but the healthiest way to consume iced green tea is to cold brew it yourself by steeping green tea leaves in cold filtered water. You can store it in the refrigerator for 24 hours. You can also add in your favorite herbs for extra flavor.

Juice

One hundred percent pure fruit juice is another alternative to soda when you crave something sweet. Juices contain calories and naturally occurring sugars, so sip in moderation. Don’t forget to read your labels and try to avoid fruit juices that aren’t all-natural.

 

Prenate® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

Healthy Soda Alternatives graphic

The post Healthy Soda Alternatives for Pregnancy appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

]]>
Tips for Choosing an OBGYN https://prenate.com/tips-for-choosing-an-obgyn/ Thu, 08 Apr 2021 13:31:30 +0000 https://prenate.com/?p=5943 There are a lot of big decisions to make when you find out you are pregnant. None may be as... Read More

The post Tips for Choosing an OBGYN appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

]]>
Man and woman consulting with a doctorThere are a lot of big decisions to make when you find out you are pregnant. None may be as significant as choosing who you want to oversee your pregnancy care. After all, you will be spending a lot of time with your OB-GYN – like 40 weeks! You’ll want a doctor that will be your champion. One who will listen, communicate, educate, empower, and level with you all at the same time. It may sound like a tall order, but there are plenty of OB-GYNs out there. Here are some tips to help you find the best OB-GYN for you.

Start with Your Insurance Provider

The cost of having a baby is an obvious consideration for most expecting parents. There are prenatal visits, the delivery, and postpartum visits to think about. Not to mention any tests or procedures that may be necessary. So that you are not surprised by unexpected medical bills, create a list of potential providers who are in your insurance network. And check with your insurance company to see what out-of-pocket expenses you can expect during pregnancy, delivery, and the postnatal period.

Get Recommendations from Other Moms

Once you have the answers you need from your insurance provider, and have narrowed the list of in-network doctors, reach out to family and friends for their recommendations. Keep in mind that choosing an OB-GYN is a very personal decision, and someone else’s choice may not be the right fit for you.

Assess Your Needs

Choosing an OB-GYN is a decision that ultimately depends on your specific needs – prenatal, during delivery, and post-delivery. Do you want a natural birth, or do you want an epidermal? Do you have underlying health conditions or a chronic illness that may require a specialist?

Look for a Partner

From the right vitamins to the right treatments to the right medical options, you want an OB-GYN who makes healthcare decisions with you, not for you. When you have a reciprocal relationship with your doctor, you’ll be able to talk openly and honestly about your health and your pregnancy care and never have to worry about having your questions answered.

Meet Your List of Potential OB-GYNs

Now that you have an idea of what you want in an OB-GYN, and a list of prospective doctors, make an appointment with each. Think of these meet-and-greets as a job interview. To narrow the field, be prepared to go in with a list of questions, such as:

  • How much experience do you have?
  • How many babies have you delivered?
  • What hospital are you associated with?
  • Will I see you every time I come in for an office visit?
  • Who will deliver my baby, you or another physician on-call?
  • How much time do you allow for each office visit?
  • Are you available to answer questions outside of office visits?
  • What is the likelihood I will need a cesarean section?
  • How many C-sections have you performed?
  • What are your thoughts on pain management during delivery?

Trust Your Instincts

At the end of the day, when it comes to choosing an OB-GYN to deliver your baby, listen to your own intuition. Which doctors answered your questions to your expectations during your meet-and-greets? Which ones made you feel relaxed? Did any of them make you feel rushed during a visit? Did they listen to you? Did they interrupt you? How did their personality fit with yours? These are just some of the questions to ask yourself after each interview. Trust your instincts, and you will make the right decision.

 

Prenate® Vitamin Family
This post is brought to you by the Prenate® Vitamin Family, a line of prescription prenatal supplements designed to enhance preconception, prenatal, and postpartum nutrition in women. Talk with your doctor about how taking a daily prescription prenatal or postnatal vitamin could help support a healthy pregnancy and postpartum wellness.

Tips for choosing an OBGYN graphic

The post Tips for Choosing an OBGYN appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

]]>
20 Must-Ask Questions for Your Doctor About Early Pregnancy https://prenate.com/20-must-ask-questions-for-your-doctor-about-early-pregnancy/ Tue, 18 Sep 2018 16:39:54 +0000 https://prenate.com/?p=4011 A new mom may find her first few visits to her doctor or health care provider to be exciting and... Read More

The post 20 Must-Ask Questions for Your Doctor About Early Pregnancy appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

]]>

A new mom may find her first few visits to her doctor or health care provider to be exciting and overwhelming. There’s a lot of new information to process, and since face-to-face meetings are brief, it’s important to make a list of questions.1

Remember, every pregnancy is different so whether this pregnancy is your first or not, there’s no such thing as an insignificant question.

Here are our suggestions for questions to ask your doctor during your early prenatal visits:1

  1. What screenings or tests should I expect during my next few appointments?
  2. Do I have an increased risk of any specific conditions or complications?
  3. Do the prescription medications I take increase the risk of any specific conditions or complications?
  4. Are there any over-the-counter medications I should avoid?
  5. Are there any foods or drinks I should avoid?
  6. What are my options for prenatal vitamins?
  7. What is a normal blood pressure range?
  8. What’s a healthy weight range for my height and body type?
  9. How much weight should I gain each trimester?
  10. What physical symptoms are causes for concern?
  11. How will I know if I should call you with a concern about a physical symptom I’m experiencing?
  12. How can I reach you after hours?
  13. What position is best for sleep?
  14. What symptoms are normal, and how can I best manage them?
  15. When you aren’t available to provide care, who will I see instead?
  16. Are there any miscarriage precautions that apply to my situation I should know about?
  17. At what interval will I see you throughout my pregnancy?
  18. How much exercise should I try to get during my first trimester?
  19. What recommendations do you have concerning dental care?
  20. Do you recommend any travel limitations?

A new mom’s choice of a health care practitioner is crucial to her comfort level throughout pregnancy and beyond. One of the discussions a new mom typically has with her doctor is about how to best support her own nutritional needs and those of her baby.

During pregnancy, a new mom’s body requires higher levels of calcium, iron and folic acid.2 Nutrients like DHA and vitamin D are recommended for baby’s development, as well.2

The Prenate® Vitamin Family can help women fill nutritional gaps throughout every stage of pregnancy. Prenate Pixie® is a small but mighty prescription vitamin specially designed as a dietary supplement for pregnant women. Talk with your doctor about whether a prescription vitamin may be right for you.

The post 20 Must-Ask Questions for Your Doctor About Early Pregnancy appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

]]>
Prenatal Vitamins for Each Stage of Pregnancy: First Trimester – Months 1 to 3 https://prenate.com/prenatal-vitamins-folic-acid-first-trimester/ Tue, 05 Sep 2017 15:48:37 +0000 https://prenate.com/?p=2525 The first trimester is an exciting – but sometimes scary – part of pregnancy. This is when many women start... Read More

The post Prenatal Vitamins for Each Stage of Pregnancy: First Trimester – Months 1 to 3 appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

]]>

The first trimester is an exciting – but sometimes scary – part of pregnancy. This is when many women start experiencing pregnancy symptoms. The first trimester also comes with the many emotions that arise with pregnancy: excitement, hopefulness, worry, and anxiety. For the baby, a mother’s first trimester brings rapid cell division, including the formation of what will become the baby’s internal organs and central nervous system. Perhaps the most critical time of pregnancy, the first trimester, requires essential nutrients to support the baby’s development.

Key Developmental Milestones in the First Trimester:

  • Neural tube closure
  • Formation of the spine
  • Formation of the basic organ systems and facial features
  • Formation of the muscles, white blood cells, and vocal cords
  • First heart beat
  • Formation of the arms, legs, fingers, and toes

Prenatal Vitamins for the First Trimester

While a balanced diet is preferred, some women may have trouble meeting their daily recommended intake for specific vitamins and minerals. The Prenate® Vitamin Family offers a line of prenatal vitamins that are designed to carry moms and their babies through preconception to pregnancy and into the weeks and months after delivery.

These vitamins are specifically formulated to fit first-trimester needs:

  • Prenate Pixie® is our smallest softgel prenatal vitamin. It can be taken before conception and is mighty enough to support moms and babies through pregnancy.
  • Prenate Mini® is a small but robust softgel prenatal supplement with 14 nutrient forms.

These two prenatal vitamins contain key nutrients to help support first trimester developmental milestones:

  • Folic Acid – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that pregnant women consume 800 mcg of folate daily during pregnancy.1 The development and closure of a baby’s neural tube (which eventually becomes the spine) occurs between day 14 and day 28 of pregnancy. Folic acid levels impact neural tube closure and because this development occurs so early in pregnancy, moms-to-be must be sure they are consuming adequate amounts of folic acid.
  • Iron – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that pregnant women get 18 mg of iron daily.1 Sufficient iron helps a growing baby receive the amount of oxygen needed to develop a strong heart and lungs, and muscles. Iron also helps keep the mother’s muscles, heart, lungs, and other organs functioning healthfully while boosting her energy.
  • DHA – The National Institutes of Health recommend 300 mg of DHA during the first trimester of pregnancy.6 DHA is essential for growth and functional development of an infant’s brain.7 During pregnancy, DHA also helps with the baby’s length of gestation and birth weight.8,9
  • Vitamin B6 – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that pregnant women consume 2.5 mg of vitamin B6 daily during pregnancy.1,2 It is estimated that nearly 85 percent of pregnant women suffer from common morning sickness, which is most prevalent during the first trimester.3 The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends vitamin B6 to help ease nausea, one of the symptoms associated with common morning sickness.4,5

Talk to your Health Care Provider About Prenatal Vitamins

These essential nutrients should be included in every prenatal diet during the first trimester. The Prenate® Vitamin Family helps support expecting moms with robust doses of key nutrients. Talk to your doctor to see if a Prenate® prenatal vitamin may be right for you to help fill nutritional gaps.

 

The post Prenatal Vitamins for Each Stage of Pregnancy: First Trimester – Months 1 to 3 appeared first on Prenate Vitamin Family.

]]>