Pregnancy Specialist

How do I know if I am pregnant?

If you miss one or more menstrual periods, you may want to take a home pregnancy test. You can buy one of these highly accurate tests at your local drugstore and take it in the privacy of your own home. 

In case your period is irregular, you may look for one or more of the following early signs of pregnancy:

• Light bleeding that occurs during implantation (6-12 days after conception)
• Tender, swollen breasts
• Nausea or vomiting
• Food cravings or aversions
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Mood swings

Most of these symptoms can indicate other conditions besides pregnancy. It’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with Dr. Richey as soon as you suspect you’re pregnant.

How can I promote a healthy pregnancy?

Whether you’re already pregnant or planning to become pregnant, Dr. Richey advises you on the best ways to stay healthy throughout the pregnancy journey. 

She encourages a clean lifestyle that includes wholesome foods, water, and exercise to enhance the wellbeing of both mother and baby.

Steps you can take to ensure a healthy pregnancy include:

• Stop smoking and drinking alcohol
• Control medical conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure
• Eat nutritious foods and exercise regularly
• Get regular prenatal checkups 

It’s important for all women who are able to get pregnant to take a daily vitamin that contains 400-800 micrograms of folic acid, even if you aren’t actively trying to conceive. 

A baby’s brain and spinal cord develop early, usually before you even know you’re pregnant, and folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects. 

What is a high-risk pregnancy?

High-risk pregnancies involve an increased risk of complications that may endanger the life of the mother, baby, or both. Dr. Richey manages normal and high-risk pregnancies at her practice. 

Some pregnancies are considered high risk from the beginning. Other times, risk factors can develop along the way. Factors that make a pregnancy high risk include:

• Having health conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes
• Being overweight or obese
• Being pregnant with twins or other multiples
• Being over age 35

Just because your pregnancy is high risk doesn’t mean there will be complications, but Dr. Richey may ask you to come in for more frequent prenatal checkups. She may also recommend additional tests to make sure you and your baby are healthy.

For compassionate, personalized care during pregnancy, call Donna Richey, MD, or book an appointment online today.