Pregnancy

Why do women need prenatal care?

Appointments for prenatal care provide Dr. Tchabo an opportunity to monitor the baby’s development and detect signs of potential problems or complications that can affect the mother and the baby. While many women bring their babies to term without incident, many illnesses and conditions, when detected early, can be dealt with safely and successfully allowing a pregnancy to proceed without any issues.  

How often should women see Dr. Tchabo during pregnancy?

Patients should plan on making an appointment with Dr. Tchabo each month until the 28th week of pregnancy. If there are complications, patients should plan on having appointments more often, depending on the condition. From weeks 28-36, women usually have appointments every two to three weeks. After 36 weeks, women typically see Dr. Tchabo every week until delivery.

What can I expect to experience during my pregnancy?

Pregnancy is an exciting time for women as the body undergoes considerable changes to accommodate a new life (or new lives!). While many women come to term without any major upheavals, others will experience some discomforts along the way, especially during the first trimester, such as:

• nausea and vomiting
• frequent urination  
• sore and tender breasts
• fatigue

During the second and third trimesters, lower back pain and swelling in the ankles and feet commonly occur in the expectant mother as the baby gets bigger.

What should women restrict or avoid during pregnancy?

Dr. Tchabo evaluates each patient’s condition and provides advice on what to avoid during pregnancy. For example, certain physical activities and exercise routines might need to be reduced, especially during the third trimester. (Women in general shouldn’t lift heavy objects at any time during pregnancy.) That said, physical exercise is widely recommended for the health of you and your baby and the doctor will help you come up with the ideal amount.

Nutritionally, Dr. Tchabo will guide you on how you can best nourish your growing child and what foods to add and which ones to avoid. Good eating habits are imperative for the development and growth of your baby and many foods go a long toward providing a solid foundation for optimal health. Conversely, with pregnancy comes increased indigestion, so avoiding certain foods will also help you to remain as comfortable as possible.

Whether or not other lifestyle changes should be made is a conversation best had with your doctor as every pregnancy is unique.

Are supplements and medications safe during pregnancy?

Some types of supplements and over-the-counter medications might contain ingredients that could affect the baby’s development or cause other harmful effects so we recommend talking to Dr. Tchabo before taking them. The same holds true for any prescribed medications. As well, Dr. Tchabo will point you toward supplements that should be added to your daily regimen that will benefit your pregnancy.