Wellness and Nutrition at 5 Weeks Pregnant
Making the Most of Your Doctor Visits
Regular prenatal care remains a critical part of monitoring your health and the health of your baby throughout your pregnancy. Now is the time to schedule your first prenatal visit. Most doctors will schedule the appointment between your 6th and 10th week of pregnancy.
- Your first prenatal doctor visit will be one of the most involved. During this visit, your doctor will confirm your pregnancy and records your medical history. Your doctor will probably complete a physical exam and a series of additional routine tests to make sure you and your baby are healthy.
- Good communication is a key to success with your health care provider. If you don't understand something at any doctor visit, be sure to ask for clarification or additional details.
- Get informed and be equipped. The more informed you are, the better able you'll be to make the best choices throughout your pregnancy.
- Look beyond the belly. Remember to keep up with other areas of your overall health. Schedule routine dental visits and promptly address other health concerns as they arise.
Exercise: Finding the Right Routine for You
Exercise supports good health for you and for your baby. Plus, healthy habits today lay the groundwork for your future labor and delivery. Check out a few simple pointers that may help you find the right routine:
- Talk with your doctor about changes in your exercise program or health routine.
- Equip yourself for exercise success with the right shoes and a sports bra with plenty of support.
- Don't skip the stretch! Begin and end with stretching to prevent muscle strain.
- Rise slowly if lying or sitting to keep from feeling dizzy or faint.
- Try for 30 minutes of physical activity or exercise most days of the week.
You may find that some types of exercise relieve pregnancy-related aches and pains. Try stretching, walking, swimming, water aerobics, cycling on a stationary bike, low-impact aerobics, or low-impact cardiovascular machines. Experiment to find the routine that works best for you.
Nutrition Notes
Pregnancy is one of the best times to pump up your nutritional intake, because your choices now affect both you and baby. During your 5th week of pregnancy:
- Continue to follow a balanced diet.
- Remember, the balance is not in the individual foods. Use the USDA Food Pyramid as a nutritional guide, and check out the section for pregnant moms while you're there.
- As you feel more hunger, begin to add a few extra well-chosen calories to your diet. During your first trimester you shouldn't need to add extra calories to your diet.