Dr. Barra OBriain, MD,Local Family Physician Vancouver
Pregnancy health encompasses medical care, daily nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being across every stage of development. Protecting your health—and your baby’s—relies on a foundation of regular prenatal checkups paired with practical daily habits.
1. Essential Prenatal Medical Care
Establishing care early ensures proper monitoring and early intervention if issues arise.
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Regular Doctor/Midwife Visits: Monthly checks until week 28, bi-weekly until week 36, then weekly until delivery.
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Routine Screenings: Blood tests (iron levels, blood type, Rh factor), blood pressure monitoring (to watch for preeclampsia), urine tests, and routine screenings (such as gestational diabetes around weeks 24–28).
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Prenatal Ultrasound Scans: Early dating scan (Trimester 1) and the detailed anatomy scan (Trimester 2 at 18–22 weeks).
Dr. Karen Nordahl, MD, Family Physican, Vancouver
Common Conditions & Warning Signs
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Perinatal Anxiety: Persistent, uncontrollable worry, racing thoughts, panic attacks, or compulsive hyper-vigilance regarding the baby’s health.
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Perinatal Depression: Deep sadness, numbness, difficulty bonding with the bump, loss of interest in activities, or feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks.
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Perinatal OCD: Intrusive, persistent, distressing thoughts (often related to harm coming to the baby) paired with repetitive behaviors to neutralize the fear.
Dr. Barra OBriain, MD,Local Family Physician Vancouver
Dr. Heather Jenkins, MD, CCFP, Family Physician
Dr. Barra OBriain, MD,Local Family Physician Vancouver
Dr. Alana Shaw ND R.Ac Naturopathic Physician Registered Acupuncturist
Effective Coping & Clinical Support
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Open Screening: Share how you are feeling during routine prenatal checkups. Providers use standardized questionnaires to catch emotional shifts early.
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Targeted Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) are effective evidence-based treatments tailored for pregnancy.
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Safe Medication Options: If therapy alone isn’t enough, many medications (such as certain SSRIs) can be safely managed throughout pregnancy under a doctor’s guidance.
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Lifestyle Anchors: Protect your sleep as much as possible, engage in gentle prenatal movement, and establish a clear postpartum support plan before the baby arrives.
Core Nutrition & Foods to Avoid
Nourishing your body requires extra key vitamins, though you generally only need about 300 extra calories per day in the second and third trimesters.
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Key Nutrients:
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Folic Acid (400–800 mcg/day): Crucial in early pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects.
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Iron: Supports increased blood volume and prevents anemia.
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Calcium & Vitamin D: Supports fetal bone development.
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DHA/Omega-3s: Aids brain and eye development.
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Foods to Avoid: Raw/undercooked meat, raw fish (sushi), unpasteurized dairy, soft cheeses, deli meats (unless heated steaming hot), high-mercury fish (king mackerel, shark, swordfish), and alcohol. Limit caffeine to under 200 mg per day.
Dr. Barra OBriain, MD,Local Family Physician Vancouver
Dr. Barra OBriain, MD,Local Family Physician Vancouver
Dr. Karen Nordahl, MD, Family Physican, Vancouver
Dr. Elise Balaisis, MD, Local Family Physician
Physical Activity & Body Care
Regular exercise boosts mood, eases back pain, and helps build endurance for labor.
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Safe Choices: Walking, swimming, prenatal yoga, stationary cycling, and low-impact strength training.
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Safety Rules: Avoid contact sports, activities with fall risks, and lying flat on your back after the first trimester. Always listen to your body and stay hydrated.