Pregnancy weight gain

Choosing a caregiver

Physical changes

Pregnant women will tell you they experience almost irrepressible cravings for certain foods – salty, sweet, spicy or fatty foods. Some think it’s the body signaling what the growing baby needs.

The influence of hormonal changes, and the effect of the changes in the size of the growing uterus, can lead to eating complications during pregnancy.

The experience of childbirth and parenthood is an unknown adventure, which results in major changes to your life. 

First trimester

Your fitness is likely to decrease. Listen to your body and only do what you feel comfortable doing.

Second trimester

This stage begins when the cervix reaches complete dilation and effacement, and it ends with the birth of the baby.

A detailed medical history, of you and your partner, will be recorded at your first prenatal visit.

Physical changes

Your pregnancy: weeks 1-4 – the start of your first trimester. The first signs of pregnancy may be very visible… or not at all.

NUTRITION CHECKLIST

Are you eating enough nutritious food with sufficient nutrients, kilojoules, vitamins?

A birth plan or wish list is not a set of commands and demands, and certainly not a contract.

You may need to consider some personal issues before you become pregnant.

As your pregnancy advances, the uterus exerts an increased upward pressure on your diaphragm. As you near your due date you may find that you breathe less deeply, although more efficiently.

Labour support is a concept that has been around for thousands of years.

Regular prenatal care is most important if you are carrying more than one baby, as the risk to you and your babies is higher.

Attending childbirth and parent education classes is an excellent way to prepare for the birth and develop a support system. 

There are many things you can do to prepare for the delivery of a healthy baby. One of the most important things is eating right to gain the extra weight you’ll need to support another life.