Healthy Pregnancy

Finding out you are pregnant can be a very exciting time, especially if you have been planning a pregnancy.

In the first weeks you will probably feel both excitement and anxiety as you think about the future. These feelings are quite common.  You will have lots of questions.

Pregnancy is measured in trimesters from the first day of your last menstrual period, totaling 40 weeks. But a full-term pregnancy can last between 37 weeks and 42 weeks.

Staying healthy during pregnancy

Taking great care of yourself is the best thing you can do for yourself and your baby!

• Everything healthy that you do for your body helps your growing baby.
• Rest when you need it, eat well, and exercise regularly.
• Drink plenty of water before, during, and after you are active.
• You’ll need to have regular checkups.  At every visit, your health care provider will weigh you and measure your belly to check your baby’s growth.
• You’ll also get blood and urine tests and have your blood pressure checked.
• Your first prenatal examination gives your health care provider important information for planning your care.

Pregnancy Means Amazing Changes

• Your body, emotions, and relationships will all do some growing. These changes are common, but some may be a challenge.
• Every woman feels these changes in her own way. Even the way she changes can change.  Here are some changes that will occur:
• In the beginning of your pregnancy, you may feel so tired that you can barely keep your head up.
• At other times, you may have trouble sleeping.
• Like many women, you may feel nauseated in the morning (morning sickness) or at other times of day in the early part of  pregnancy. Some women never have this problem.
• Your breasts will get larger and may feel tender.
• Throughout your pregnancy, you may get heartburn or crave certain foods, and you may have aches and pains.
• You will also enjoy the flutters of your baby moving and kicking.
• Your emotions may be up and down.
• Even women who are happy about their pregnancy may worry a lot about their babies. They may feel some sadness at the coming changes in their lifestyles.
• Your relationship with your partner and other children you may have can also change.
• Talk with your partner and with your health-care provider if you have concerns about how you’re feeling.

Services related to this information:

Women’s Health, Eastern Health

Public Health Nursing offices, Eastern Health

811 HealthLine (Newfoundland & Labrador) – Call 811 or 1-888-709-2929 / TTY 1-888-709-3555