So You're Pregnant... Now What?

Many of our patients work for so long to get pregnant, that they become experts on what to eat, how to exercise, and how to take their basal body temperatures. Then when they get that positive pregnancy test, they sometimes seem at a loss as to what to do next. Here are a few tips until you can get in to see your midwife or OB:

1. Foods to avoid during pregnancy include raw proteins, unpasteurized dairy, deli meats, alcohol, and caffeine to name a few. Find a complete list here from the American Pregnancy Association.
2. Exercise - usually you can continue with your regular exercise routine during a healthy pregnancy. This will help keep you and your baby healthy, as well as help prepare you for labor and delivery. Read more about exercise during pregnancy here.
3. Schedule your first prenatal care visit - If you currently have an OB/GYN that you see, you can call them to schedule your first prenatal care appointment. Or if you want to see a midwife, now is the time to begin looking for one in your area. Usually your health care provider will want to schedule your first visit for around the 8th-10th week of your pregnancy (unless you previously had complications with a pregnancy; in this case they may schedule you for sooner).
4. Continue with your acupuncture treatments! Acupuncture is perfectly safe (and beneficial) during pregnancy when performed by a licensed acupuncturist that is familiar with treating pregnant patients. An acupuncturist that is a Fellow of the American Board of Oriental and Reproductive Medicine provides additional assurance that your acupuncturist is qualified to provide acupuncture treatments during your pregnancy. Acupuncture can be used to effectively and safely treat nausea, morning sickness, carpal tunnel, edema, high blood pressure, sciatica, as well as other ailments during pregnancy.

All of these things are a great first step to take during the first trimester of your pregnancy. Here at the Texas Center for Reproductive Acupuncture in Central Texas, we recommend and perform acupuncture treatments during pregnancy to treat many ailments, as well as to provide pregnancy support. Our recommendations can be read about here. If you are pregnant and ready to get some additional support for your pregnancy, call us today at 512.302.5600. I wish you a happy and healthy pregnancy and birth.