Supporting you through each step of your path to parenthood.
Your Guide To Early Pregnancy
Congratulations! We are so happy for you and your growing family. We wish you all the best on your path to parenthood. Below we’ve outlined current recommendations that can help ensure the health of you and your baby.
Nutrition & Vitamins
If you have not already started a prenatal vitamin, it’s encouraged that you begin! Prenatal vitamins consist of ingredients that are critical to baby’s development. When it comes to any medication, whether over the counter or prescribed, it’s best to verify safety with your doctor. Your OB/GYN can help you understand potential side effects, safety instructions, and alternatives.
The table below shows the 11 recommended nutrients approved by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
Two of the key ingredients to look out for in any prenatal vitamin are folic acid and iron. Folic acid helps prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spine. Iron supports the growth of the placenta and baby and helps combat anemia. Prenatal vitamins can even contribute to a mom’s overall well-being during conception, pregnancy, post-partum and while breastfeeding.
As a best practice, remember to take your prenatal vitamin daily. If they are causing nausea, try taking it at night with a snack. If constipation is an issue, increase the fiber in your diet, drink more fluids, and increase your activity.
| Prenatal Vitamin Guide | ||
| Ingredient | Recommended Amount | Benefits |
| Folic Acid | 600 micrograms | Prevent birth defects of the brain and spine and support the growth of the baby and placenta |
| Calcium | 1,000 milligrams | Helps build strong bones and teeth |
| Iron | 27 milligrams | Helps red blood cells deliver oxygen to your growing baby |
| Choline | 450 milligrams | Supports your growing baby’s brain and spinal cord development |
| Vitamin C | 85 milligrams | Promotes healthy gums, teeth, and bones |
| Vitamin B6 | 1.9 milligrams | Helps your body convert protein, fat, and carbohydrates to energy |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.6 micrograms | Helps support the nervous system |
| Iodine | 220 micrograms | Helps support baby’s brain health and maintaining thyroid health |
| Vitamin D3 | 600 international units (IU) | Promotes bone health and improve immune function |
In healthy pregnancies, regular exercise is recommended. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise most days of the week. If 30 minutes feels too long, break it up into 5 or 10-minute sessions three times a day. It is important to remember to stay hydrated and aim to drink at least 80z (~5 water bottles) a day, especially if you are exercising. Staying active during early pregnancy offers a range of benefits for both you and your growing baby. Including a variety of cardio and weightlifting can help support overall physical health.
Medications in Pregnancy
Whether you are taking a prescription or looking for an over-the-counter medication, please confirm safety with your doctor directly. They will be able to inform you of safety and any potential side effects. Prescription nausea medications by prescription may be recommended by your physician if you are experiencing extreme symptoms. In general, most common symptoms that women experience have a safe over the counter option. Explore the list of approved pregnancy medications at mothertobaby.org.
What To Avoid
While you should maintain a well-balanced diet during pregnancy, there are also several foods to avoid. Explore the list of foods and beverages NOT recommended in pregnancy:
-Raw or undercooked meats
-Shark, Swordfish, King Mackerel or Tilefihs
-Unpasteurized dairy products
-Soft cheeses (feta, brie)
-Pate or meat spreads
-Deli meats (unless heated) pose a potential risk of listera
-Caffeine in excess (no more than <300 mg daily)
-Alcohol
Other habits to avoid include any smoking, vaping, nicotine or marijuana use. Avoid any strong cleaning products, pesticides, herbicides, wood stains or paint (if needed, aim for low VOC toxin brands!) It’s also important that if you own a cat, to not clean their litter box while pregnant. Feline fecal matter has the potential to put you at risk for an infection, so feel free to pass that responsibility onto someone else for the duration of your pregnancy!
Mental Health Resources
Pregnancy can not only be physically taxing, but can also impact your mental health. It’s important to know that resources are available to you from the comfort of your home, through our mental health support partners at Linqcare. Contact today to get started: (484) 229-4545.
When to Contact Your Doctor
If you are early in pregnancy and experience any bleeding, pain or cramping, be sure to contact your doctor immediately so that they can evaluate the situation and treat you if needed. Our team at South Jersey Fertility Center will monitor you through 8 weeks of pregnancy and can see you for emergency visits if you have not yet established care with your OB/GYN. Contact us at 856-596-2233.
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