If you are planning for a baby, then consult your healthcare provider to get prepare for a safe and healthy pregnancy. Doctors usually suggest a few tests and check your medical history to understand your current health condition and can plan out a healthy pregnancy. Your healthcare provider will assist you and help you to figure out which steps you might need to take for a healthy pregnancy.

1. Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol and or taking drugs.
2. Increase your folic acid intake.
3. Reach and maintain a healthy weight.
4. Take care of your mental health. 
5. Eat a healthy diet that includes fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and lean proteins.

Prenatal care

Prenatal Care is comprehensive preventive healthcare for a pregnant woman during her course of pregnancy. Prenatal care is extremely important as it helps in identifying and treating potential health problems early. This helps to prevent complications during pregnancy. Prenatal care is not just regular checkups it includes counselling about various aspects of pregnancy. Prenatal care has played a significant role in reducing the frequency of maternal death, birth defect and lower birth weight. According to World Health Organization, every woman should undergo four antenatal visits to identify and treat problems and give immunizations. However, prenatal care varies from trimester to trimester as the baby grows- 

The first trimester of pregnancy

Routine prenatal visit 

During your first visit, the doctor will ask about your medical history and suggest a few tests to measure your- blood pressure and sugar level, weight, urine test and blood test etc. It is extremely important to discuss your lifestyle and eating habits with your doctor to avoid any further risks.

Changes in a woman’s body during the first trimester

The first trimester is from week 1 to week 13, it’s just the beginning of the pregnancy thus, women experience several changes physically and mentally during the first trimester.

1. Tender breasts
2. Nausea and vomiting
3. Cravings and aversions
4. Heightened sense of smell
5. Weight gain 
6. Constipation and upset stomach
7. Mood swings

 Personal health measures

Apart from regular checkups, it’s extremely important to take some personal health measures to avoid any risks during pregnancy.                          

1. Take prenatal vitamins
2. Stay hydrated 
3. Enrich your diet with fruits, vegetables and fibre.
4. Take an adequate amount of calories
5. Exercise regularly

Things to avoid during the first trimester

Here is a list of certain things you must avoid during the first trimester of pregnancy.

1. Avoid caffeine
2. Avoid nitrate-rich foods
3. Avoid canned and junk foods
4. Avoid unpasteurized milk and other dairy products
5. Avoid strenuous exercise or strength training

The second trimester of pregnancy

 Changes in a woman’s body during the second trimester

1. Growing belly and breast
2. Some swelling in your feet, hands and ankles
3. The uterus expands to make space for the baby
4. Skin stretch around your belly and your breasts
5. Leg cramps
6. Dizziness and dental issues

Things to avoid in the second trimester

1. Dont take any medication without consulting your doctor
2. Avoid wearing high heels.
3. Avoid unpasteurized dairy and juices.

Prenatal visit       

Level 2 ultrasounds are usually performed to examine the anatomy of the baby and confirm that baby is developing normally. Doctors check the blood pressure and weight and listen to the baby’s heartbeat. Doctor also checks your baby’s growth by measuring the size of your abdomen.                  

The third trimester of pregnancy,

The third trimester of pregnancy is quite challenging physically and emotionally.

 Changes in a woman’s body during the second trimester  

1. Braxton hicks contraction
2. Backaches
3. Frequent urination 
4. Shortness of breath
5. Legs swelling and cramps

Things to avoid during the third trimester of pregnancy

1.  Avoid lifting anything that feels even a little too heavy
2. Travelling or sitting for an extended period
3. As the baby is pretty low in your belly, digestion may be a bit difficult.
4. Avoid flying or travelling to places with high altitudes, as it causes your baby to become deprived of oxygen.
5. Avoid heavy exercises, and consult your doctor about your exercise routine, especially if you are already suffering from an existing medical condition.
6. Avoid cleaning out cat litter or handling raw meat.

Foods to eat during your third trimester

1. Eat iron-rich food like wheat bran, beans and eggs.
2. Eat protein-rich food like tofu and legumes as it helps in forming the baby’s body.
3. Eat food rich in DHA, which helps in developing the baby’s brain 
4. Consuming folic-rich food ensures proper fetal growth and lowers the risk of a lower birth rate for the baby.