The moment a woman learns that a new life is growing inside her is simultaneously beautiful, filled with happiness, and anxious, raising a series of questions in the mother-to-be’s head… Where to start after finding out about the pregnancy? What health checks should be performed? How to plan your daily routine and lifestyle going forward? And what should you pay attention to so that both the mother and the expected baby receive everything they need and stay healthy? These and other important questions that concern new mothers are answered by specialists from the “Northway” clinic – gynecologist and obstetrician Jana Bjornsone, nutrition specialist Lolita Krasiļņikova, and midwife and breastfeeding consultant Anete Polanska.
An Action Plan for New Mothers Upon Learning of Pregnancy
“Upon seeing a positive pregnancy test, the new mother should schedule a visit with her gynecologist as soon as possible. During this visit, the pregnancy is confirmed by performing an ultrasound examination (USG) and/or determining the HCG level in the blood,” says “Northway” clinic gynecologist Jana Bjornsone, adding that during the visit, the woman also receives a detailed consultation regarding the further action plan. The next visit to the gynecologist should be planned by the mother-to-be between the 8th and 12th week of pregnancy, which is the time when it will be necessary to register for pregnancy monitoring.
What Health Checks and How Often Should They Be Performed While Expecting?
The most important examination for monitoring the baby’s growth and well-being is the USG. At the same time, various myths are associated with it, which make some expectant parents anxious and raise doubts about how often it is safe to perform this examination. Some of the most common myths are that USG can delay the baby’s growth or that USG heats up the amniotic fluid… The gynecologist emphasizes: “USG is an absolutely harmless and painless diagnostic procedure. High-frequency ultrasound is used to obtain the image. Furthermore, a series of studies worldwide have confirmed that USG is not harmful to either the pregnant woman or the baby. It is effectively the only method that provides insight into how the baby is doing in the mother’s womb!”
During pregnancy, planned USG is performed three times. State-funded USG screening is performed in the first (11th to 14th week) and second trimester (20th to 23rd week), says the gynecologist, explaining that to dispel concerns, it is already possible in the first trimester to determine if the baby has any of the most common chromosomal pathologies, such as Down syndrome. In the second-trimester USG screening, the fetal anatomy is assessed. Likewise, a USG is performed in the third trimester of pregnancy (34th to 36th week), but this examination is state-funded only for pregnant women in risk groups—for example, if there is suspicion of fetal growth restriction, in the case of multiple pregnancies, or if the fetal position is unclear. If the gynecologist, evaluating the pregnant woman’s health status, finds that additional examinations are necessary, the patient is issued a referral for state-funded USG as many times as the doctor considers necessary, says gynecologist Jana Bjornsone, adding that USG screenings are state-funded in all institutions that have a contract with the National Health Service (NVD), including the “Northway” clinic.
If necessary, the doctor may prescribe other examinations in addition to USG – all of which can be performed in one place, at the “Northway” clinic, avoiding the unnecessary stress that can arise from visiting different medical institutions. “With us, it is possible to perform USG and various laboratory tests, as well as cardiotocography (CTG) or fetal heart rate monitoring, fetal vascular dopplerography and biometry, and genetic tests. All the most important pregnancy monitoring services and specialist support are available at the clinic to work together toward the main goal – the birth of a healthy baby,” says the gynecologist.
Support During Expectancy – Greater Safety and Confidence in Becoming Parents
“New mothers and fathers are very welcome here, which is why, in addition to health examinations, classes for expectant parents are available at the clinic so that the pregnancy period passes as calmly as possible and the arrival of the baby into the family can be awaited with safety and confidence,” says gynecologist J. Bjornsone. “Courses for expectant parents can indeed provide peace of mind and greater confidence. The classes provide extensive information, strong support, and many different skills for new parents – regarding the course of pregnancy and childbirth, the postpartum period, breastfeeding and child care, first aid, and a range of other topics. One only needs to choose the most suitable for each family’s needs. For example, currently, the clinic offers courses on breastfeeding and the first month of a newborn’s life, as well as on children’s health safety aspects and actions in critical situations,” adds Anete Polanska, certified midwife and breastfeeding consultant at the “Northway” clinic.
Psychologist services for pregnant women are also available at the “Northway” clinic. “There are three trimesters of pregnancy, and in each of them, both hormonal activity and the expectant mother’s mood are different. Upon becoming pregnant, women experience many psychological changes. The main thing is not to be afraid and not to be confused by all the emotions that every woman may experience during pregnancy, but rather to find a solution – talk about unclear issues with loved ones and your gynecologist, and if necessary, turn to a psychologist,” explains the gynecologist.
What Should Be Changed in Your Current Lifestyle?
This is one of the most common questions that worries women upon finding out about pregnancy. Therefore, the gynecologist explains: “Upon finding out you are pregnant, you can safely start taking folic acid – it can be found in the necessary doses in any vitamins intended for pregnant women. Also, for the baby to grow properly, they need peace; therefore, the mother’s sleep is of great importance. One must also remember the need for fresh air, especially if you have an office job and don’t manage to go for a walk during the day – then it definitely must be done while going to or coming home from work.” During expectancy, physical activities are also highly recommended. “If the new mother exercised before pregnancy, she can safely continue to do so while expecting the baby. However, when exercising, one must monitor that the pulse does not exceed 120 beats per minute. Recommended sports include, for example, walking, Nordic walking, swimming, and special gymnastics for pregnant women,” explains the gynecologist. Of course, nutrition also plays a huge role, but more on that a bit later.
Speaking of sexual relations, which is also one of the questions expectant parents tend to be anxious about, the gynecologist reassures – lovemaking can happen as often as both partners desire, and it does not harm the baby because they are well-protected by the amniotic fluid, uterine muscles, and the placenta.
The Woman’s Well-being and Health During Expectancy
With the onset of pregnancy, a series of both positive and not-so-pleasant changes occur in a woman’s body. “The most common complaints during pregnancy are fatigue and pulling sensations in the lower abdomen and back. For the most part, however, there is no cause for concern, as fatigue is a normal phenomenon in a pregnant woman’s well-being due to the influence of hormones. As the fetus grows, the uterus also grows, resulting in the stretching of pelvic muscles and ligaments, which creates various sensations in the abdomen that are normal,” explains J. Bjornsone. “However, if the pain in the lower abdomen is too strong, at regular intervals, there is bloody discharge from the genital tract, or if the pregnant woman does not feel fetal movements after the 20th week of pregnancy – you must turn to your doctor as soon as possible!” the gynecologist warns.
A frequent phenomenon during pregnancy is also toxicosis, sometimes called morning sickness, even though nausea can occur at any time of day. The gynecologist reassures that most women notice a significant improvement in well-being after the first trimester of pregnancy, around the 13th week, though some pregnant women experience nausea later as well. To avoid nausea, the doctor recommends avoiding spicy and fatty foods, maintaining regular meals (every two hours), and consuming food in small but frequent portions. Sufficient fluids must also be consumed. When nausea hits, you can suck on something sour, like a slice of lemon, etc.
What to do if a cold, the flu, etc., strikes during pregnancy, and what medications to use to avoid harming the baby – another question gynecologists face quite often. “To avoid posing a threat to the expected baby’s health, the use of various chemical preparations is not desirable during pregnancy. When treating a runny nose, for example, it is not recommended to use drops containing ephedrine. It is better to rinse the nose with weak salt water and use nose drops containing seawater. If a cough needs to be treated during pregnancy, it is recommended to use syrups containing medicinal herbs,” explains the gynecologist and adds that one can never know how much a cold and/or the use of certain medications will affect the health of the expected baby and the mother; therefore, during pregnancy, the expectant mother must seriously consider the necessity of using any medication. Medications must be used with special caution, only under a doctor’s supervision, and at the minimum effective dose.
Nutrition – The Cornerstone of the Pregnant Woman’s Well-being and the Expected Child’s Health
To ensure good health for herself and the expected baby, a pregnant woman must also focus more carefully on planning her nutrition. In this regard, women often make various mistakes, such as overeating and consuming more calories than necessary. “The mother’s nutrition during pregnancy is an important and influential factor for the growth, development, and health of the fetus. A calorie-rich maternal diet during pregnancy adversely ‘programs’ the child’s organ structures and metabolism intrauterine, creating a risk later in life for diabetes, obesity, heart disease, osteoporosis, metabolic syndrome, or other diseases,” explains “Northway” clinic nutrition specialist Lolita Krasiļņikova.
Nutrition Guidelines During Expectancy: Recommendations from a Nutrition Specialist
During pregnancy, the recommended increase in energy intake is from 100 kcal per day in the first trimester to 300 kcal in the second and third trimesters. It is essential to provide this extra energy through high-quality food products rather than sweets or pastries. Especially recommended are vegetables and fruits, whole grain products, protein-rich foods such as lean meat, fish, eggs, legumes, milk and dairy products, nuts and seeds, as well as plant-based fats – vegetable oils, avocados; the fats found in nuts and seeds are also valuable. Conversely, one should exclude from the diet alcohol, energy drinks, products with excessive sugar, including pastries in large quantities, unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses, raw products – meat, eggs, fish, including sushi, as well as liver and freshly sprouted grains. Fluid must also be consumed in sufficient quantities every day – 35 ml per 1 kg of body mass. At least half of the fluid intake should be pure water, consumed evenly throughout the day.
During pregnancy, the need for practically all vitamins increases, so the quality of nutrition must be monitored especially strictly. A diverse diet must be ensured, including products from various food groups, as each contains different amounts of nutrients.
Nutrients especially important for a pregnant woman:
- folic acid – an essential microelement even when planning a pregnancy. It ensures the development of the fetal neural tube and the production of blood cells, which occurs early in pregnancy. Later in pregnancy, folic acid protects against premature birth. The main dietary sources of folic acid are green leafy vegetables, broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts, kale, leaf lettuce, beef liver, as well as legumes (lentils, beans, and peas), beets, oranges, and tomatoes;
- iron – its consumption increases during pregnancy because both the mother and the baby must be supplied with blood and oxygen. Iron is necessary for fetal growth and the development of the nervous system and muscles. Good sources of iron are lean beef, pork, chicken, turkey meat, as well as fish, cereal products, peas, beans, pumpkin seeds, and pistachios. Additional iron in the form of dietary supplements should only be taken if prescribed by a doctor;
- Vitamin C – promotes iron absorption, so when eating iron-rich foods, it is recommended to supplement them with vegetables and fruits. Vitamin C also promotes normal collagen formation, helping to maintain bone, tooth, gum, and skin health, as well as promoting normal immune and nervous system function. During pregnancy, Vitamin C is also necessary for the prevention of preeclampsia toxemia. Rich in Vitamin C are bell peppers, sea buckthorn berries, blackcurrants, Brussels sprouts, kiwi, kale, broccoli, and other vegetables, fruits, and berries;
- Vitamin D – helps maintain bone and tooth health and ensures normal nervous system function. Good dietary sources of Vitamin D are fatty fish (herring, sprats, sardines, herring, salmon, trout, etc.), egg yolk, dairy products, and mushrooms. However, Vitamin D is primarily formed in the skin under the influence of natural sunlight, but since Latvia is located at latitudes where Vitamin D deficiency is possible during the winter period, it is recommended to take Vitamin D additionally in the form of a supplement;
- Care should also be taken to consume nutrients important for the healthy development of the pregnant woman and the baby, such as iodine, Omega-3, calcium, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K.
It must be remembered that before starting to use any dietary supplements, it is important to consult a doctor to receive individual recommendations, taking into account the pregnant woman’s specific health conditions and pregnancy status. Also, to properly balance nutrient intake, consultations with a nutrition specialist can be useful, who will explain how a woman can consume healthy meals every day without overcomplicating things or causing unnecessary anxiety. Likewise, the nutrition specialist will provide valuable recommendations on how to ensure optimal weight gain during pregnancy and how to normalize it after the baby has been born.
“It is important to ensure a normal body mass even before the onset of pregnancy. In the event that a woman is underweight, it is recommended to ensure a weight gain of 13–18 kg during pregnancy. Conversely, women with increased body mass are advised to reduce it at least three months before the planned pregnancy. One must remember that during pregnancy, it is not recommended to follow diets with the aim of losing weight, as nutrient deficiency can create health risks for both the developing baby and the woman’s health. Meanwhile, for a woman with normal body weight, the recommended weight gain is within the range of 10 to 16 kg,” explains the nutrition specialist.
The nutrition specialist emphasizes: “After childbirth, a woman’s body changes, and weight normalization can take time. It is important to be patient and focus on a healthy lifestyle, which will help maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being in the long term.”
How to Prepare for the Baby’s Arrival?
Couples who are becoming parents for the first time are often anxious about how to properly welcome the baby into their family and how to correctly care for the infant – after all, there is no experience! “It is not for nothing that pregnancy lasts several months. And although this provides an opportunity to prepare for the baby’s arrival in the family, one can never be fully prepared for it,” believes “Northway” clinic midwife Anete Polanska. She recommends: “It is important to procure practical items for child care and the mother’s postpartum period. Equally essential is identifying family support and trust persons. Also useful can be classes for expectant parents, meetings with specialists, as well as discussions with other parents – everything that expectant parents consider necessary to feel safer while awaiting the family addition.”
Likewise, breastfeeding consultations can be useful for every mother. These can help, for example, if breastfeeding is painful, if the baby refuses the breast, if it’s necessary to decide on the need for artificial milk formula, as well as in any other situation where questions arise. During the consultation, the specialist carefully listens and answers questions, and visually assesses the breastfeeding process – therefore, it is very desirable to schedule the consultation around the baby’s feeding time. Furthermore, the “Northway” clinic provides breastfeeding consultations both on-site and by traveling to the family’s home, which allows for assessing the mother and infant in their natural environment, as well as understanding family members’ involvement in breastfeeding and evaluating baby care, sleep safety, and other aspects.
“The pregnancy period and the birth of a baby are a real adventure, rich in both experiences and indescribable happiness for every mother and father! I wish every family endurance, strong health, and love – even if there are difficulties sometimes, you will definitely succeed! And the staff of the ‘Northway’ clinic will be happy to take care of it!” wishes “Northway” clinic gynecologist Jana Bjornsone.
