If you think you are pregnant, or have taken an at-home pregnancy test that shows a positive, it is time to schedule a prenatal care visit. On your first visit your health care provider will determine how far along you are in your pregnancy. This is determined by the date of your last period and a physical exam. This information will also be used to give you an estimated delivery date.

For the most part if you are in good health, you will be expected to schedule a visit to your physician’s office every 4 weeks until your trimester. Once you have reached the final stretch in your pregnancy, you should see your physician every 2 weeks. At 36 weeks, you need to see your doctor on a weekly basis.

Implementing a healthy diet is important regardless if you are pregnant or not. When you become pregnant it is definitely just as important. Your pregnancy is not the time to start cutting calories from your diet; in fact you will have to increase your calories.

A woman of normal weight will be advised to increase about 300 calories. If you are very active, or are pregnant with twins or multiples, you may have to take in more calories. Moreover, if you are overweight you will still have to increase calories but not as much as an average weight woman will. However, you will have to discuss this with your doctor.

Important muscle growth and support for the baby is needed by sufficient amounts of calcium. Most of the time women do not get enough calories to begin with, but this is even more important while pregnant. Eat foods that are high in calcium such as dark green veggies and low-fat dairy products. Ask your doctor for supplemental vitamins.

If you are planning to conceive, start implementing your healthy habits early. Taking care of yourself during your pregnancy is essential from the first week all the way up until you have your baby, and even beyond! Keep in mind that your health is your baby’s health!

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