Congratulations– you’re pregnant! Now that you’ve calmed down some from the initial excitement, it’s time to focus on the most important thing: your health and the baby’s health. Nyali Healthcare, provides gynecological and obstetric care for women at every stage of life. Dr. Paul Onyango is one of the finest OB/GYNs in Kenya. Here are some tips for having a healthy pregnancy.
1. Choose a qualified OB/GYN.
Choosing an OB/GYN who will help care for you during your pregnancy, labor and delivery is very important. An OB/GYN is a medical doctor who is specially trained to provide medical and surgical care to women. To verify the credentials of an OB/GYN, contact the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Board. You will be seeing your OB/GYN often over the coming months, so it’s important to find a good match.
2. Schedule a prenatal appointment.
Once you’ve made your decision, help get your pregnancy off to a healthy start by scheduling your first prenatal appointment. Many doctors will schedule your first visit for when you’re about 8 weeks pregnant. Some doctors will see you sooner, especially if you have a health condition, or are having symptoms such as abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, or nausea and vomiting. Regular appointments with your doctor throughout your pregnancy are important to ensure the health of you and your baby.
3. Get an ultrasound during pregnancy.
Ultrasound is a prenatal test offered to expectant mothers. The test uses sound waves to show a picture of your baby in the uterus. Most women get their first ultrasound in their second trimester at 18-20 weeks of pregnancy. The purpose of the test is to find out how many babies you are carrying, and whether they are developing normally. Your first ultrasound can be very exciting because it gives you the first glimpse of your child.
4. Get the screening tests you need.
Prenatal screening tests are done to determine whether a baby is likely to have specific birth defects. A prenatal screening test can only provide your risk, or probability, that a particular condition exists. Most of these screening tests are noninvasive. These tests are usually performed during the first and second trimesters.
5. Pay attention to your health.
A healthy lifestyle is always important – but when you’re pregnant, it’s that much more vital. So make sure you eat a healthy diet, get plenty of sleep, start taking a prenatal vitamin, get enough folic acid and consider a pregnancy-friendly exercise routine. Also, remember to drink seven to ten glasses of water per day and choose skim milk and real fruit juices instead of sodas.
6. Avoid these pregnancy no-nos.
Some things should be avoided during your pregnancy. These include cigarette smoke, alcohol, certain foods, too much caffeine, recreational drugs, as well as certain behaviors and activities. Talk to your doctor to find out more about what you may need to steer clear of. Don’t take any medications, even OTC medications, unless you have discussed them with your OB/GYN.
Now that you’re pregnant, it’s really important to take steps to achieve your goal—having a healthy baby. Call Nyali Healthcare at 0727668880 right now to schedule an appointment. Seeing an OB/GYN is among the best ways you can help protect your child’s health and well-being. Be assured that our staff will provide you with the best care possible as you prepare for one of your life’s most miraculous events- the birth of your child.
