Pregnant... now what?
The pregnancy test shows that you are pregnant. Perhaps you’re already starting to feel some changes in your body. But which things should you take into account and should or shouldn’t you do next? Read more below about the first symptoms of being pregnant and for tips. After that you can make an appointment at one of our locations.
Pregnant? Schedule an appointment!
What should you do when you are pregnant? You are pregnant! The pregnancy test was positive and perhaps you even have some of the symptoms mentioned below. Contact us to schedule your first appointment: choose our nearest location and fill out the intake form.
What are the signs and symptoms of pregnancy?
You didn’t take a pregnancy test yet, but you are wondering: could I be pregnant? Not every woman has all of them, but some of the first symptoms might be:
- Nausea. Some women experience nausea only in the first weeks of pregnancy, others experience it longer.
- Sore or sensitive lower abdomen. The lower abdomen may feel tight, tense or bloated early in pregnancy. Your breasts can also feel tense and sensitive. You may wake up during the night having a nagging feeling in your belly, this feeling usually disappears after 10 minutes. This has to do with the growth of the uterus and the intestines that are moved forward to make space. Are you pregnant with multiple babies? Then you will have this symptom slightly more intense than when you are pregnant with one child.
- Having a headache and/or feeling dizzy. Because of the hormonal changes you may experience headaches or a feeling of dizziness.
- Being emotional or having mood swings. The flood of hormones in early pregnancy can also make you tearful and irritated.
- Change in sense of taste. Do you suddenly fancy pulled pork or do you have to gag when smelling coffee? Your sense of taste and the sensitivity to odours may change early in pregnancy. Pregnant women have a slightly better sense of smell than others in their surroundings.
- 90% of all pregnant women experience fatigue. Being pregnant takes a lot of energy. Especially in the first weeks when your body has to get used to the pregnancy hormones which are active. The growth of the uterus also takes a lot of energy. Give your body the rest it needs.
Get to know all about the pregnancy aches you may experience. A problem shared is a problem halved!
Being pregnant and folic acid and vitamin D
Perhaps you’ve already started taking folic acid and vitamin D before you got pregnant. In case you are not taking these supplements yet, we recommend you to start taking them as soon as possible now that you are pregnant.
Folic acid
By taking folic acid when you are pregnant, you reduce the risk of your baby having a spina bifida, cleft lip or palate. The intake of folic acid through food is usually not sufficient. Our advice: take 400 micrograms of folic acid per day up until you are pregnant for 10 weeks.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D ensures proper growth of your baby. Our advice: take 10 micrograms of vitamin D per day. You can take vitamin D throughout your entire pregnancy as well as when you are breastfeeding.
Help! What should I avoid eating now that I am pregnant?
If you usually have a healthy and varied diet, you do not need to change anything now that you are pregnant. Eating for two is not necessary, since good nutrition ensures that both you and your baby are not deprived of anything during pregnancy.
However, there are some products you should avoid when you are pregnant. They may be contaminated and could cause an infection such as toxoplasmosis and listeriosis.
Now that you are pregnant, don’t eat any:
- raw meat or meats, such as steak tartare, beef sausage, red steak, carpaccio, salami and roast beef
- soft cheeses made from raw milk (au lait cru)
- raw fish and ready-made smoked fish from the refrigerator. Mackerel, eel, sardines, tuna, crab or shrimps are also better left alone
- raw eggs or products with raw eggs
- liver
9 extra pieces of advice for when you are pregnant:
- Do not drink any alcohol. Only drinks with 0.0% alcohol do not have an effect on your baby.
- Do not drink more than one cup of coffee per day, because of the caffeine.
- Do not smoke and don’t take any drugs when you are pregnant.
- Be careful with the use of medication. Always consult your GP – or us – about whether you can safely take your medication.
- Wash all vegetables before use, also the pre-cut vegetables from the supermarket.
- Do not eat too many liver products, such as liverwurst and pâté. One portion per day is allowed.
- Let someone else clean the litter box of your cat or use gloves.
- Also use gloves when working in the garden.
- You should eat fatty fish regularly, but not more than twice per week.
Pregnancy and exercise
Movement or exercise is a must during pregnancy too. This way, you ensure that you feel fit, strong and energetic during your pregnancy. Doing sports can prevent or reduce pregnancy symptoms and it improves your sleep. Being in good condition will also help you during labour and helps you to recover more quickly.
Moeders voor Moeders (mothers helping mothers)
Happiness can be shared! Moeders voor Moeders (mothers helping mothers) would like to help couples with fertility problems with fulfilling their desire conceive a baby. Moeders voor Moeders collects urine from pregnant women. From this urine the hCG hormone is extracted. This hormone is used by pharmaceutical companies to manufacture medicines that are used for fertility treatments.