Now that you’re pregnant, it’s more important than ever to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally.
From check-ups at the clinic to planning your baby’s birth, the right antenatal care will help you to have a safe and healthy pregnancy.
Here’s what you need to know.
What kind of antenatal care do I need?
Antenatal care is the healthcare and support you have while you’re pregnant. It will help to ensure you and your baby are well throughout your pregnancy journey.
Getting antenatal care is the most important step you can take to having a healthy pregnancy. So as soon as you know you’re pregnant, start your care by booking an appointment with MSI Tanzania.
Your care will include regular check-ups, and these will change as your pregnancy progresses.
At the start, you may have blood tests to check for any health issues that could affect your pregnancy or your baby. Later on, you’ll have your blood pressure measured.
You may also be asked to do urine tests to check for signs of a pregnancy condition called pre-eclampsia, which can cause serious problems if it isn’t monitored and treated.
About halfway through your pregnancy, you’ll be offered a scan to see how your baby is developing. Although the scan is done for medical reasons, it’s very exciting to see your baby for the first time.
Getting the most out of your antenatal appointments
At your antenatal appointments, you can ask your provider any questions you have – write the answers down so you don’t forget.
You can also speak with someone in confidence if you need extra support. Use this opportunity to get help if you’re experiencing domestic violence or emotional abuse.
Which foods should I eat for a healthy pregnancy?
Eating healthily during pregnancy is very important. The more varied your diet is, the more likely you are to get the nutrients you and your growing baby need.
Try to eat some of these foods every day:
- Fruit and vegetables.
- Protein-rich foods (beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat – but not liver – poultry and nuts)
- Starchy foods (potatoes, yams, bread and grains – whole grains are healthier)
- Dairy foods (pasteurised milk, cheese and yoghurt)
Should I take a vitamin supplement?
When you’re pregnant, there are some nutrients that are hard to get from food alone. So all pregnant women should take a folic acid tablet for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Folic acid is a vitamin that prevents a problem with your baby’s spine. You may also need extra vitamin D and iron to help your baby grow. Contact us and we can give you more information about supplements.
What’s not safe to eat during pregnancy?
Some foods aren’t safe while you’re pregnant. These include:
- Unpasteurised milk and cheeses
- Raw or under-cooked meat
- Certain types of fish including shellfish, shark, marlin and swordfish
It’s not just what you’re eating but also how you store and prepare food that is important.
During pregnancy your immune system doesn’t work as well as usual, so you need to be extra careful about food hygiene. These tips will help you stay safe:
- Wash your hands before cooking and eating and keep your kitchen clean
- Use safe water
- Store raw food away from cooked food
- Cook food thoroughly, particularly poultry and meats
- Don’t leave cooked or fresh food out of the fridge for more than two hours
- Wash fruit and veg thoroughly, especially if you’re eating them raw
Is it safe to exercise during pregnancy?
For most women it is safe to exercise while you’re pregnant, but you should be careful to avoid activities that may cause you to fall over or strain your joints. It’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider like MSI Tanzania before embarking on any new exercise regimes.
Exercising during pregnancy can bring several benefits, including boosting your chance of a shorter labour; helping you maintain a healthy weight; and helping to prevent low back pain and pelvic pain.
Aim for a mixture of activities that raise your heart rates – such as brisk walking, swimming or running – and strength-building exercises, such as light weightlifting and yoga.
You don’t need any special equipment. There are lots of free exercise videos online that can give you ideas for safe workouts at home.
How should I plan for my baby’s birth?
You’ll feel more confident about giving birth to your baby if you know what to expect. There may also be aspects of your labour and delivery where you have some choices, so thinking about what you want will help you feel prepared. We can talk to you about your options for:
- Where to have your baby
- Pain relief
- Positions you can try when you’re in labour
- Who you want to have with you
You can write your choices down in a birth plan, which you can share with the team who look after you during your labour. Remember you’ll need to be flexible; labour doesn’t always go to plan.
We can help you welcome your new baby into the world. Whether this is your first pregnancy or you’re an experienced mom, our team of highly skilled and compassionate obstetricians, midwives and nurses will provide the best possible care to you and your baby during labour.
Call us toll-free on 0800 753 333 to pre-register in advance, so you’re all set on the big day.
How can I get support during my pregnancy?
Many women feel like they’re on an emotional rollercoaster during pregnancy. One moment you’re excited about becoming a mom, the next overwhelmed.
One of the best ways to reduce stress is simply by talking. Find someone you trust and tell them how you’re feeling. It could be your partner, a friend or a family member, or an online community for moms-to-be.
You may find that you need more practical support, particularly at the start and end of your pregnancy when tiredness is a problem. If you’re struggling at work, talk to your employer to see if any adjustments can be made to your role.
If it’s household chores that are getting you down, ask your partner or another family member to help you. Or, if possible, you may want to pay for help during your pregnancy and after your baby arrives.
For your antenatal and maternity care, MSI Tanzania is here for you. Contact us or visit one of our clinics for the amazing healthcare you and your baby deserve.
