Taking care of yourself is important for you and your baby!

• Everything healthy that you do for your body helps your growing baby.
• Rest when you need it, eat well, and exercise regularly.
• Take 0.4mg of folic acid every day.
• Drink plenty of water before, during, and after you are active.
• Get regular checkups. At every visit, your health care provider will weigh you and measure your belly to check your baby’s growth. You’ll also get blood and urine tests and have your blood pressure checked.
• Your first prenatal examination gives your health care provider important information for planning your care.
• Talk to your health care provider about immunization in pregnancy to protect you and your baby from illness.
• Plan your self-care. Your wellbeing is important for you and your baby.

• Your body, emotions, and relationships will grow. These changes are common and some may be challenging. Every person feels these changes in their own way.
• Changes include:
  • Early in pregnancy, you may feel so tired that you can barely keep your head up, other times, you may have trouble sleeping.
  • You may feel sick in the morning (morning sickness) or at other times of day. Some people never have this problem.
  • Your breasts will get larger and may feel tender.
  • You may get heartburn or crave certain foods, and you may have aches and pains.
  • You will feel the flutters of your baby moving and kicking, later in your pregnancy.

• Your emotions may be up and down.
  • You may worry about having a baby. You may feel some sadness at the coming changes in your lifestyle and relationships.
  • Anxiety and depression are common in pregnancy. Learn about the signs and symptoms of depression. Take time to reflect on how you are feeling.
  • Talk to your partner and health-care provider about your feelings.