If you have missed a period, it is important to take a home pregnancy test so you can decide what to do next. If you suspect that you may be pregnant, then there are a few things that you should be aware of. If you are experiencing extreme nausea then this may be a sign that your hormonal levels are changing and your body is preparing for egg implantation. Taking a home pregnancy test will test for raised levels of (hCG) Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in and around 6 days after fertilisation. After 10 days of a missed period, it is wise to make an appointment so your doctor can perform a pregnancy test to confirm whether you or not you are pregnant.
In order to ensure that you have a healthy pregnancy, you should ensure that you include a variety of leafy green vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and cabbage as well as dairy products such as yoghurt and milk. It’s important to ensure that you eat a variety of proteins such as chicken and beef or substitutes such as tofu. However, it’s best to avoid soft cheeses and mould-ripened cheeses such as blue cheese as they may be more likely to carry listeria bacteria which can be extremely dangerous. Too much vitamin A can harm your baby so you are best also to avoid liver and paté products. Take care to avoid raw or partially cooked eggs as there is more chance it could cause food poisoning from the presence of salmonella.
Alcoholic beverages are best avoided as are any form of unpasteurised dairy drinks or juices and also drinks which contain high levels of caffeine. Instead drink at least 8 glasses of water, lemonade or ginger tea which will alleviate symptoms of nausea. Coconut water is beneficial for rehydration as it helps to replenish natural salts in the body. Smoothies made from milk are high in calcium which is vital for a healthy baby and also vitamin b12. As your pregnancy progresses you will have to be vaccinated against Hepatitis A, B, and pneumococcal vaccine as well as whooping cough. Make sure that you attend all your antenatal appointments which will not only monitor the baby’s health but your own. Lastly be sure to keep your weight in check to avoid gestational diabetes and make sure you do pelvic floor exercises to ensure that you avoid incontinence issues throughout your pregnancy. Most of all, enjoy every moment of this special time in your life and look forward to a healthy baby in the coming months.
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