I’m Pregnant: Where do I Start with Prenatal Care when Choosing Adoption?
So, you have discovered you are pregnant. As a result, you may find yourself asking questions like – where do I start? If you are considering adoption, you have even more questions! Upfront, it’s important that you and the baby inside of you are healthy. What is prenatal care and why is it important? Prenatal care is essential for a safe and healthy pregnancy. As a birth mother who has chosen adoption, you may have never thought about these things. However, attending regular prenatal appointments will help minimize pregnancy risks, and minimize risks to your unborn child’s health.
Schedule Your First Prenatal Visit
First things first, schedule your first prenatal doctor’s visit as soon as possible. Prenatal visits can help detect any complications that could potentially happen during your pregnancy. They can also help guide you as your pregnancy progresses in terms of what types of lifestyle changes you need to make in order to have the best pregnancy possible. To schedule this appointment, talk to your general physician or call your OBGYN’s office for more information. If you do not have an OBGYN, we can help you find local care that can help!
Once you attend your first visit, be sure to try and attend your future appointments regularly to ensure the most consistent prenatal care. During these visits, your doctor will be monitoring you and your baby to make sure no problems arise. Ultrasounds and other tests may occur during these visits in order to track your baby’s growth and health.
Update Your Medical Information
While you are attending the aforementioned visits, it is important that you have the most up to date health information possible, including family history. If possible, include the birth father’s medical records as well. Having the most accurate records possible allows your doctor to determine any risks that could affect you or your baby. Be sure to include an updated list of your medications – some medications are unsuitable to take during pregnancy. However, talk to the doctor who prescribed the medications before stopping.
Make Lifestyle Changes
In addition to stopping certain medications, your doctor may advise you to make certain lifestyle changes. Even though you’ve chosen to place your baby for adoption, it’s still important to take care of yourself. Some of the suggestions your doctor may give you include: taking prenatal vitamins (which contain folic acid used to support a pregnant body), eating a balanced diet and having a consistent workout regime.
On top of these suggestions, it is also imperative that you stop smoking, drinking alcohol and doing drugs. These habits have harmful effects on your baby’s health and could result in many issues, such as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. By stopping these habits and incorporating things like prenatal vitamins, you are minimizing the possibilities of birth defects and future reproductive issues. Some of these changes may feel like a struggle at first, but they will benefit you in the long run.
Educate Yourself
As your body goes through the changes associated with pregnancy, it is important that you educate and prepare yourself for anything that comes your way. Talk to your doctor and other individuals who have experience with pregnancy about what your body may or may not go through. Watching videos or read books about your baby’s growth and the labor and delivery process. Consider, also, attending local childbirth classes in your area.
If you wish to place your baby for adoption, reach out to the staff at Adoption Choices of Arizona to learn all about your options. We are prepared to equip you with resources for anything you might need to have a healthy pregnancy. This includes rides to prenatal care visits and help with funding for medical expenses among many other necessities. The more educated you feel about your pregnancy, the more confident you will feel when the time comes to complete your adoption journey.
Remember We are Here to Help
Beginning prenatal care may seem daunting. You may feel overwhelmed by the pressure to make it to regular visits or paying all the doctor’s expenses. Please know you are not alone. Every expectant birth mother feels overwhelmed at some point during her pregnancy journey. Adoption Choices of Arizona acknowledges the difficult choice you made to choose adoption and is here to support you every step of the way.
For adoption resources or to begin your adoption journey, birth parents can visit us at Adoption Choices of Arizona or call or text us at 1-480-900-5520. If you are an prospective adoptive family hoping to adopt a baby, please instead, visit us here!
Meet the Author: Grace Myers is a sophomore Digital Media major at North Greenville University As a firm believer that every individual has a story to tell, and a right to be properly represented, she loves meeting new people and learning their stories.
When she’s not writing, you can find her listening to music or cuddling with her dog, Sundae.
