Expert: Catherine Beier MS CBE - 3/10/2008

Question
Dear Dr,

My wife is 2 months pregnant now. I would like to take your opinion about her diet and what measure we should have to take for the health of the child and the mother? please guide me and if possible give me reply in details. It is our first experience so we are very conscious in this matter.

Regards,
Dhoni

Answer
Dhoni,

Congratulations on your first child.  During her pregnancy, your wife should be seeing a care provider to ensure that she and the baby are doing well.  This could be a midwife, family doctor, or an obstetrician.  In most cases, she will go for monthly check-ups to make sure the baby is growing well and that her health is also good.  During the last 3 months, she will probably go for a check-up every two weeks and then every week in the last month.

The care provider will check her weight gain, listen to the baby's heartbeat, measure her growth and answer any questions or concerns you have.

Nutrition in pregnancy is also very important.  A recommended program is called the Brewer diet.  You can read more about it at http://www.blueribbonbaby.org  She may also talk to her care provider about taking a daily prenatal vitamin to supplement her diet.

During the pregnancy, your wife can pretty much do everything she did physically before she was pregnant.  It's safe to exercise in moderation.  She can maintain the same level of exercise she had before pregnancy but should avoid abdominal exercises or anything that is so strenuous she can't talk while exercising.


Alcohol and smoking should be avoided as well as other prescription or non-prescription drugs.  She should always check with her care provider before taking any medications or herbal supplements.

To learn more about pregnancy, visit http://www.americanpregnancy.org


Best,
Catherine