Your first prenatal visit should be scheduled as soon as you think you are pregnant. As your pregnancy progresses, checkups will happen more regularly and may include special tests.
During each visit we will do a general assessment, answer any questions and provide advice on how to have a healthy pregnancy.
It is important to eat a well-balanced diet and take a prenatal vitamin during your pregnancy. Most foods are safe but there are some foods to avoid.
Foods to Avoid:
It is best to take a prenatal vitamin during your entire pregnancy. These vitamins, which are available at your local pharmacy, have ore folic acid and iron than standard multi-vitamins. These nutrients help support your baby’s grown and development. Prenatal vitamins are also high in calcium and vitamin D, which are important for your baby’s bone growth and strength.
Ask your EIHC Women’s Health provider if you need additional help choosing a prenatal vitamin. In general, look for a prenatal vitamin that contains:
The recommended amount of weight gain will depend on your weight before you got pregnant. Your EIHC Women’s Health provider will talk to you about the amount of weight you should gain.
It is important to eat a healthy, balanced diet during your pregnancy. On average, a pregnant woman should consume approximately 300 health calories more a day than before she was pregnant.
While some medicines are considered safe during pregnancy, the effects of others on your unborn baby are unknown. Illegal drugs are never okay and you should check with your EIHC Women’s Health provider regarding current prescriptions or with any questions.
As a general rule you should try to avoid or minimize medicine use during your pregnancy. However, certain drugs are considered safe and indicate on the label if they are okay for pregnant women.
*Please note that NO drug can be considered 100% safe for use during pregnancy.
It is okay to travel by car or plane until 36 weeks of pregnancy, as long as you are not having any problems. International flights may have more restrictions. Get up/out and walk every 2 hours to promote circulation. Drink plenty of fluids and use the bathroom often. Avoid air travel if you are having problems with your pregnancy or general health.
Try to sleep on your side to allow for maximum blood flow to the baby. You may also find it helpful to put a pillow between your knees and behind your back. As you get further along in your pregnancy you may need more pillows and to change positions often to be comfortable.
Some exercise is fine, unless your provider has told you not to. Limit exercise to 30 minutes a day and never exercise until you are overheated or exhausted. Examples include walking, jogging, yoga, swimming, classes, etc. Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after exercise. Your pulse should never go above 140 beats per minute when working out.
Avoid:
• Being flat on your back or standing in one place for too long
• Abdominal exercises or ones that make you lose your balance
• Sports or exercise where there is risk of falling/physical contact (i.e. kick boxing, snow
skiing, horseback riding, etc.)
• Weight training
Listen to your body and use common sense.
Welcome to your third trimester.
Whether this is your first pregnancy or fourth, you are in the home stretch to meeting your baby. This guide will help you learn what to expect during your third trimester and how to prepare for the arrival of your baby.
View the complete 3rd Trimester Guide online.
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Care before, during and after pregnancy for you and your baby
Options for birth control and education to start your family when you're ready
Your body is changing, we will help you through the transition
From annual screens to GYN surgery, we offer a wide variety of care to suit your needs
"I thought that I wouldn't be able to get quality pregnancy care without insurance. I was so happy to be wrong. The wonderful nurses and doctors at Eastern Iowa Women's Health Center provided me with amazing care. I will never go anywhere else." - Rania
Eastern Iowa Health Center receives HHS funding and has Federal Public Health Service (PHS) deemed status with respect to certain health or health-related claims, including medical malpractice claims, for itself and its covered individuals. Deeming applicable to malpractice liability coverage only.