Weeks 6 to 10 of Your Pregnancy: Care Instructions

During these weeks of pregnancy, your body goes through many changes. You may start to feel different, both in your body and your emotions. Each pregnancy is different, so there's no "right" way to feel. These early weeks are a time to make healthy choices for you and your pregnancy.

Take a daily prenatal vitamin. Choose one with folic acid in it.

Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and drugs (including marijuana). If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor.

  • Drink plenty of liquids. Be sure to drink enough water. And limit sodas, other sweetened drinks, and caffeine.

  • Choose foods that are good sources of calcium, iron, and folate. You can try dairy products, dark leafy greens, fortified orange juice and cereals, almonds, broccoli, dried fruit, and beans.

  • Avoid foods that may be harmful. Don't eat raw meat, deli meat, raw seafood, or raw eggs. Avoid soft cheese and unpasteurized dairy, like Brie and blue cheese. And don't eat fish that contains a lot of mercury, like shark and swordfish.

  • Don't touch kitty litter or cat poop. They can cause an infection that could be harmful during pregnancy.

  • Avoid things that can make your body too hot. For example, avoid hot tubs and saunas.

  • Soothe morning sickness. Try eating 5 or 6 small meals a day, getting some fresh air, or using ginger to control symptoms.

  • Ask your doctor about flu and COVID-19 shots. Getting them can help protect against infection.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

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