Congratulations! 

1) Prenatal Vitamins.
 

Folic Acid (Folate) reduces neural tube defects.  For most, 800 mcg/day is recommended.  Iron deficiency results in fatigue, need for blood transfusion, and may even affect the baby's neurological development.  To prevent this, 27 mg/day of elemental iron is recommended.

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Nature Made is a popular brand.  Spring Valley is a less expensive option to consider as well.  Prenatal gummies are acceptable in the first trimester only, as they lack iron. 

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Continue taking vitamins postpartum - some recommend 1 year.​​​​

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2) Nausea / Morning Sickness / Hyperemesis Gravidarium.

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This is nature's way of protecting the small embryo from ingested toxins.  In some women, the symptoms are more serious and result in dehydration and even hospitalization.  First-line therapies include ginger (ginger candy, ginger tea), vitamin B6 (you can take 25 - 100mg twice a day, it's water soluble), and an anti-histamine like Benadryl or Unisom.

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Prescription medications, if needed, include Diclegis, Reglan, and Zofran (last resort)

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If you're the partner, clean out the fridge, take out the trash, and take a shower.  The mother's sense of smell is very sensitive at this time. 

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3) Viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

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Influenza and COVID vaccines are recommended.  

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Do stay updated with dental cleanings.

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If you have a cat, have someone else take out the litter box.  Outdoor cats can acquire a dangerous parasite called toxoplasmosis, which is transferred through the feces. 

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4) Foods to avoid.

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Avoid soft cheeses, unwashed fruits and vegetables, and raw meat/seafood.  Listeria (a bacertia) is particularly dangerous.  Consider avoiding sprouts, melons, and cold-smoked fish, along with deli meats.  If you hear about an outbreak on social media or on the news, call Urbana OBGYN or check the CDC outbreak notices.

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5) Eat these foods.

 

Fiber is important.  Constipation in pregnancy can be very painful.  1-2 scoops of tasteless, oderless psyllium fiber each day never hurt anyone. 

 

Try to have protein every day and fish 2-3 times every week.  Avoid tuna, shark, mackerel, and swordfish as these apex predators accumulate mercury.  ​ 

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One cup of coffee contains 130 mg caffeine.  One cup of coffee in the morning and a cup of tea in the afternoon keeps you under the 300 mg caffeine per day limit. ​

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6) Options for medical care.

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Think about what you want - you are in control!  Do you know which hospitals are within 30 minutes of your home?  Do you want to see a rotating team of providers, without knowing who will delivery your baby, or do you want one person to be primarily responsible for your care?   

 

Capital Women's Care, Simmonds Martin & Helmbrecht, and Urbana OBGYN all serve residents of Frederick County.  

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Dr. Franck Lin delivers at Frederick Health Hospital and Germantown Hospital.  

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If you are interested in home birth, Dr. Franck Lin can discuss latest recommendations individually.

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7) Schedule a pregnancy confirmation appointment.

 

Urbana OBGYN offers earlier ultrasounds to monitor the pregnancy.  Dr. Franck Lin will discuss all of your options and make a tailored first-trimester plan for you.  

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In general, Dr. Lin recommends a phone-screen for risk factors.  For low-risk patients, a 7 week ultrasound for fetal heart rate check followed by a 10 week ultrasound to confirm viability is appropriate. 

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For any questions about these topics, please contact the office. 

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For a very technical read, this academic article by Dr. Nathan Fox served as the source of much of my recommendations.   
https://www.mfmnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2018-Dos-and-Donts-OBG-1.pdf