Pregnancy: You're Pregnant—Now What?

You are pregnant, and your life is about to change.

When you first find out you are pregnant, you may need to make some lifestyle changes. Your health becomes your baby's health, and anything you do that harms your body can harm your baby. Take good care of yourself.

Regular checkups will help keep you and your baby healthy.

What should you do at home?

Eat well

  • Eat many types of foods, and do not skip meals or go for many hours without eating.
  • Do not eat fish that has a high level of mercury, such as shark, swordfish, mackerel, marlin, orange roughy, bigeye tuna, or tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico. Other types of fish, such as white albacore tuna, should only be eaten once a week (no more than 4 ounces).
  • Eat 8 to 12 ounces a week of fish or shellfish that are lower in mercury. Good choices include shrimp, wild salmon, pollock, canned light tuna, and catfish. A 4-ounce serving is about the size and thickness of the palm of your hand.
  • Cut down on caffeine, which is found in coffee, tea, and cola.
  • Do not drink alcohol, such as beer, wine, wine coolers, or hard liquor.
  • Avoid raw (unpasteurized) milk and cheeses made with raw milk.
  • Take a multivitamin that has folic acid in it.
  • Eat foods that have calcium. Get 4 or more servings of milk and milk products each day. Good choices include nonfat or low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese. If you cannot eat milk products, you can get calcium from calcium-fortified products such as orange juice, soy milk, and tofu. Other sources of calcium include leafy green vegetables such as broccoli, kale, mustard greens, turnip greens, bok choy, and brussels sprouts.

Lead a healthy lifestyle

  • Try to do at least 2½ hours a week of moderate exercise. Walking is a good choice. If you haven't exercised for a while, start out slowly. Take several short walks each day.
  • Do not smoke and do not use marijuana or illegal drugs. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about programs and medicines to help you quit. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
  • Do not touch cat feces or litter boxes. Wear gloves when you work in the yard or garden, and wash your hands well when you are done. Wash your hands after you handle raw meat, and fully cook all meat before you eat it. The toxoplasmosis parasite, which is found in cat feces and raw or undercooked meat, can cause an infection that may harm your baby or lead to a miscarriage.
  • Avoid things that can make your body too hot and may be harmful to your baby, such as a hot tub or sauna. Or talk with your doctor before doing anything that raises your body temperature. Your doctor can tell you if it's safe.
  • Avoid chemical fumes, paint fumes, or poisons.

Review your medicines

To protect your baby, you may have to change some of the medicines you usually take. Review all of your medicines with your doctor.

  • Use acetaminophen for minor problems, such as a mild headache or backache or a mild fever with cold symptoms. Don't use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, unless your doctor says it's okay.
  • Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with any medicine.

Ease morning sickness

Morning sickness is feeling sick to your stomach while you are pregnant. You may also vomit.

  • If you feel sick to your stomach when you first wake up, try eating a small snack, such as crackers, before you get out of bed. Allow some time to digest the snack, and then get out of bed slowly.
  • Do not skip meals or go for long periods without eating.
  • Eat small meals often instead of three large meals each day. Eat foods that are high in protein but low in fat.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • If you are taking iron supplements, ask your doctor if they are necessary. Iron can make nausea worse.
  • Get lots of rest.

When should you call for help?

Although most pregnant women don't have any serious problems, it's important to know when to call your doctor if you have certain symptoms. These are general suggestions. Your doctor may give you some more information about when to call.

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You passed out (lost consciousness).

Call your doctor now or seek medical care right away if:

  • You have a fever.
  • You have vaginal bleeding.
  • You are dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
  • You have symptoms of a urinary infection. These may include:
    • Pain or burning when you urinate.
    • A frequent need to urinate without being able to pass much urine.
    • Pain in the flank, which is just below the rib cage and above the waist on either side of the back.
    • Blood in your urine.
  • You have belly pain.
  • You think you are having contractions.
  • You have a sudden release of fluid from your vagina.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • You have vaginal discharge that smells bad.
  • You have other concerns about your pregnancy.