Healthy lifestyle

The average weight gain during pregnancy is about 25 pounds to 30 pounds (if you are of normal weight before pregnancy). Only four pounds to six pounds should be gained in the first trimester. Besides being careful not to gain too quickly, do not try to lose weight during pregnancy. You should eat a well-balanced diet, selecting a variety of foods from the four food groups: fruits and vegetables, proteins and meat, breads and cereals, and milk and dairy products. If you have diabetes, tell your doctor, nurse practitioner or certified nurse-midwife (CNM) right away. Special nutritional needs will be discussed at your first prenatal visit, and an appointment with a dietitian can be arranged.

In general, use common sense to guide your physical activity. Spotting or cramping probably is a sign to decrease activity. Physical activity alone does not cause miscarriages, however.

While you are pregnant, you may lack the energy or coordination you had before you conceived, so pace yourself. Most women feel better if they continue to be active during pregnancy. Unless you have specific instructions from your doctor, nurse practitioner or CNM, you may continue your current exercise program. Add activities gradually.

Sexual activity is safe during pregnancy, unless you have specific instructions from your doctor, nurse practitioner or CNM. If intercourse is uncomfortable, or if you are spotting, avoid sexual activity. Sexual feelings may change during pregnancy. It is best to talk about these feelings with your partner. If you have questions or concerns, ask your doctor, nurse practitioner or CNM.

If you smoke, the healthiest thing you can do for your baby and yourself is to quit immediately. Your partner may want to quit smoking, too. Smoking decreases blood flow through the placenta and, therefore, decreases the baby’s oxygen. Women who smoke heavily throughout pregnancy have an increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature infants and babies with birth defects. Infants raised in a home where someone smokes have an increased risk of bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma and crib death. While we understand the difficulty of giving up cigarettes, please take this health risk seriously.

Alcohol is another potential health risk and can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome. Fetal alcohol syndrome causes retardation and other birth defects. The incidence of this syndrome is related to how much and how often you drink. Currently, a safe level of alcohol use during pregnancy is not known. We recommend you do not drink alcohol during pregnancy.

The first trimester is a critical time in pregnancy, because this is when the baby’s organs are forming. This means you may not want to take any medication, pill or drug you can get along without. If you are taking prescription medications, It may be possible to change the medication while you are pregnant. Avoid all street drugs, including marijuana, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Before taking any medication, check with your doctor, nurse practitioner or CNM. If approved, medications are available at our convenient Pharmacy @ Park Nicollet locations.

The Health & Care Store @ Park Nicollet and Breastfeeding Center @ Park Nicollet, Meadowbrook Building, on the Methodist Hospital campus, can provide a wide array of products to support your health, healing and learning. The Breastfeeding Center features helpful products for prepregnancy and postpregnancy, including support pillows and cushions, breastfeeding products, educational books and maternity bras.