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Pregnancy
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Women

Pregnancy

Taking care of your health during pregnancy is essential for your well-being and helps your fetus develop into a healthy baby.

You're going to have a baby! It's an exciting time, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming. You may have a lot of questions, including what you can do to give your baby a healthy start. Taking care of your health while you're pregnant will help your fetus develop into a healthy baby. To do that, it's important to:

  • Have regular visits with your health care provider. During prenatal care visits your provider checks your health and carefully monitors your pregnancy until you deliver a healthy baby. And if there are any health problems, your provider can find them early. Getting treatment right away can cure many problems and prevent others.
  • Eat healthy and drink plenty of water. Good nutrition during pregnancy includes eating a variety of:
    • Fruits
    • Vegetables
    • Whole grains
    • Lean meats or other protein sources
    • Low-fat dairy products
  • Take prenatal vitamins. During pregnancy, you need higher amounts of certain vitamins and minerals, such as folic acid and iron.
  • Be careful with medicines. Always check with your provider before you start or stop any medicine. This includes over-the-counter medicines and dietary or herbal supplements.
  • Stay active. Physical activity can help you stay strong, feel and sleep better, and prepare your body for birth. Check with your provider about which types of activities are right for you.
  • Avoid substances that could hurt your baby, including alcohol, drugs, and tobacco.

Your body will keep changing as your fetus develops until your baby is ready to be born. It can be hard to know whether a new symptom is normal or could be a sign of a problem. Check with your provider if something is bothering or worrying you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact your provider immediately—or seek emergency care—if you experience any of the following: vaginal bleeding heavier than spotting, severe abdominal or pelvic pain, sudden swelling of face or hands, severe headache or visual changes, fever ≥ 100.4 °F (38 °C) with chills, decreased fetal movement after 28 weeks, painful urination with fever, or fluid leakage suggesting premature rupture of membranes. Prompt evaluation can prevent serious complications for you and your baby.
Weight‑gain goals depend on your body‑mass index (BMI) before pregnancy. For a normal BMI (18.5‑24.9), aim for 25‑35 lb total: about 1‑5 lb in the first trimester, then ~1 lb per week in the second and third. Underweight women may target 28‑40 lb, while overweight or obese women should aim for 15‑25 lb and 11‑20 lb respectively. Gradual gain supports fetal growth and reduces risks of hypertension, gestational diabetes, and delivery complications.
Low‑impact aerobic activities such as walking, swimming, stationary cycling, and prenatal yoga are generally safe throughout pregnancy, provided you’re cleared by your provider. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate‑intensity activity per week. Avoid contact sports, activities with a high fall risk (e.g., horseback riding, skiing), heavy weight‑lifting without supervision, and exercising in hot, humid environments that could cause overheating.
Begin prenatal vitamins as soon as you discover you’re pregnant, or even before conception if possible. Key nutrients include folic acid (400‑800 µg daily) to prevent neural‑tube defects, iron (27 mg) for maternal blood volume expansion, calcium (1,000 mg) for fetal bone development, and DHA (200‑300 mg) for brain growth. Choose a brand with these amounts and discuss any additional supplements with your provider.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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