A. A HEALTHY BEGINNING

A healthy pregnancy depends partially on prenatal care.

Good prenatal care begins with regular visits to your health care provider. If your health care provider cannot offer this care, he/she can tell you where this care is available. If you don't have a health care provider, check with your Regional Health Authority. 

Horizon Health Network

Website: http://www.horizonnb.ca/

Phone: (506) 623-5500

Toll-Free: 1-888-820-5444

Vitalité Health Network

Website: www.santevitalitehealth.ca

Phone: (506) 544-2133

Toll-Free: 1-888-472-2220

In the New Life on-line prenatal program we use the term “health care provider” to mean professionals who offer primary health care services to pregnant women, parents and families.

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a. The First Prenatal Visit

You probably have had the first prenatal visit. If not, make an appointment immediately. The first medical visit is usually longer than the following visits.

This visit consists of:

  • A pregnancy test
  • A pelvic and reproductive organ examination
  • A complete physical check-up

The health care provider will listen to your heartbeat and check your blood pressure. Your height and weight will be recorded.

You will also have a conversation with your health care provider about your health and your family's health in order to establish your medical history.

During this first visit, the health care provider usually requests a series of lab tests. If you want more information about these tests and their purpose, consult the following table.

 

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b. Other Prenatal Visits

The following visits will be shorter. We will check your weight and blood pressure and take a urine test. The health care provider will measure the height of your uterus to assure that your baby is developing properly and listen to the heartbeat. All these tests help to determine if you are healthy and to keep an eye on your baby's growth.

Each visit is a great occasion to ask questions. It is a good idea to prepare your list of questions before your appointment.

In addition to the regular tests done during the first visit, your health care provider may request other prenatal tests such as an Ultrasound scan , an Amniocentesis , or a Reactive nonstress test . If the health care provider orders one of these tests, be sure to ask why.

Ask your doctor the following questions.

Between 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy you should have a test for gestational diabetes. Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a type of diabetes that only happens during pregnancy and usually goes away after the baby is born. Most women with GDM are able to control their blood sugar through diet and exercise, only a few women may need insulin. If you are diagnosed with GDM you will be followed closely by your health care provider.

Women who have had GDM are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. A blood glucose test should be performed between six weeks and six months after the baby is born.

http://www.diabetes.ca/diabetes-and-you/what/gestational/

 

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c. Major and Minor Concerns

Your body will change a lot during pregnancy. Most of these changes are normal and healthy. You can discuss these changes with the health care provider or nurse during your visits.

When all these changes are new to you, it may be difficult to distinguish between what is normal and what is not.

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Test Your Knowledge

 
 

This exercise will help you recognize the symptoms that should encourage you to consult your health care provider.

Click on the option button that matches the correct answer and validate your answer by clicking on the «Check« button.

1

Vaginal bleeding is normal during pregnancy.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! Certain women have delivered healthy babies even though light bleeding occurred during the first months of pregnancy. Bleeding must, however, be taken seriously because it may be the sign of a miscarriage. Consult your health care provider if bleeding occurs.Wrong answer! Certain women have delivered healthy babies even though light bleeding occurred during the first months of pregnancy. Bleeding must, however, be taken seriously because it may be the sign of a miscarriage. Consult your health care provider if bleeding occurs.

Check your answer

2

If a liquid other than blood flows from the vagina, you must see the doctor rapidly.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! An unusual vaginal flow, especially if there is a fever, could be a sign of a vaginal or cervical infection. It could also indicate a loss of water (if the pregnancy is advanced). Consult your health care provider if you experience this.Wrong answer! An unusual vaginal flow, especially if there is a fever, could be a sign of a vaginal or cervical infection. It could also indicate a loss of water (if the pregnancy is advanced). Consult your health care provider if you experience this.

Check your answer

3

Sudden swelling of the hands, feet, or face, during pregnancy is very disturbing.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! If you have a sudden swelling of your hands, feet, or face, different from swellings you may have had before, see a health care provider immediately.Wrong answer!If you have a sudden swelling of your hands, feet, or face, different from swellings you may have had before, see a health care provider immediately.

Check your answer

4

A major headache may be a symptom of a more serious problem.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! True. It may be caused by high blood pressure. Consult your health care provider. Wrong answer!It may be caused by high blood pressure. Consult your health care provider.

Check your answer

5

Dizzy spells are frequent during pregnancy.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! Dizzy spells are often caused by hormonal changes, a modification to blood circulation, or a decrease of sugar in the blood. If this happens, try eating something sweet. Dizzy spells may be alleviated if you snack regularly and eat light nutritional meals. However, if the dizzy spells persist, consult your health care provider.Wrong answer! Dizzy spells are often caused by hormonal changes, a modification to blood circulation, or a decrease of sugar in the blood. If this happens, try eating something sweet. Dizzy spells may be alleviated if you snack regularly and eat light nutritional meals. However, if the dizzy spells persist, consult your health care provider.

Check your answer

6

A pregnant woman who feels pain or a burning sensation while urinating should discuss this with her doctor.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! A pain or a burning sensation while urinating may indicate a bladder infection. Consult a health care provider. He/she may prescribe antibiotics.Wrong answer! A pain or a burning sensation while urinating may indicate a bladder infection. Consult a health care provider. He/she may prescribe antibiotics.

Check your answer

7

Having a chill or fever during pregnancy may be more serious than you think.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! These symptoms may be the indication of a condition which is more than a bad cold. Consult a health care provider without delay.Wrong answer! These symptoms may be the indication of a condition which is more than a bad cold. Consult a health care provider without delay.

Check your answer

8

At the end of the pregnancy, it is normal to feel the baby's movements less.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! Near the end of the pregnancy, the baby has less room to move, but the mother should feel the baby's movements regularly. If you have the feeling that your baby is moving less or not at all, consult the health care provider without delay.Wrong answer! Near the end of the pregnancy, the baby has less room to move, but the mother should feel the baby's movements regularly. If you have the feeling that your baby is moving less or not at all, consult the health care provider without delay.

Check your answer

9

Sight troubles such as blurred vision or seeing spots are disturbing symptoms during pregnancy.

a) True
b) False
Right answer! Vision problems are symptoms of toxemia. Other symptoms are pain in the right upper abdomen, headaches, and unusual swelling of the face. If you experience one of these symptoms, contact your health care provider immediately.Wrong answer! Vision problems are symptoms of toxemia. Other symptoms are pain in the right upper abdomen, headaches, and unusual swelling of the face. If you experience one of these symptoms, contact your health care provider immediately.

Check your answer

 

 

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