Prenatal Care
PSC offers free 1st prenatal visits for our clients. The Prenatal Clinic is open every Wednesday from 2:00 - 4:00 and accepts appointments as well as walk-ins.
The following information may be helpful to you during your pregnancy. It is important to remember that nothing takes the place of adequate prenatal care by a qualified health care professional.
Tiredness, Fatigue
- Try going to bed early and taking naps throughout the day
- Mild exercise, in fresh air if possible
- Avoid food and beverages with caffeine or sugar
Morning Sickness
- Try eating a high protein snack before bed (cheese, milk, yogurt, peanut butter with apple slices or celery, chicken, turkey) if your nausea is bad when you first wake up
- OR eat crackers before you get up then rise slowly without sudden movement
- Do not allow yourself to get too hungry. Try eating six (6) small meals instead of two (2) or three(3) large meals
- Do not allow long periods of time without food
- Avoid strong tasting or smelling foods
- Avoid fried or greasy foods
- Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and smoke-filled environments
Constipation
- Eat fresh fruits and raw vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water (at least 8 glasses per day)
- Exercise regularly
Dizziness
- Change positions slowly and often
- Eat and drink liquids frequently and on a regular schedule
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day
Emotional Ups and Downs
- Talk about your feelings with someone you trust
- Avoid caffeine and sugar
- Get adequate sleep
In addition to those items listed above, you should assure that you
- Get enough Folate. This can be obtained through eating plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit or by taking a prenatal or “one-a-day” vitamin
- Avoid alcohol
- Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke
- Avoid drugs, inhaling paint fumes and fumes from spray cans or insecticides
- Do not empty a cat litter box
- Avoid getting overheated whether from heavy exercise, saunas, or hot tubs