Your Care Instructions

There is no sure way to prevent labour before your due date (preterm labour) or prevent most other pregnancy problems. But there are things you can do to increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy. Go to your appointments, follow your healthcare provider's advice, and take good care of yourself. Listen to your body, rest and sleep as needed, eat well, and exercise (if your healthcare provider agrees). And make sure to drink plenty of water.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Make sure you go to your prenatal appointments. At each visit, your doctor or midwife will check your blood pressure and weight. Healthy weight gain in pregnancy helps to prevent high blood pressure and diabetes in pregnancy. It also helps the normal growth of your baby. Your doctor or midwife will also check to see if you have protein in your urine. High blood pressure and protein in urine are signs of possible pre-eclampsia. This condition can be dangerous for you and your baby.
• Drink plenty of fluids, mostly water. Dehydration can cause contractions. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your healthcare provider before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
• Tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice any symptoms of an infection, such as:
  • Burning when you urinate.
  • A foul-smelling discharge from your vagina.
  • Vaginal itching.
  • Unexplained fever.
  • Unusual pain or soreness in your uterus or lower belly.
• Eat a balanced diet. Include plenty of foods that are high in calcium, folic acid, protein, and iron.
  • Foods high in calcium include milk, cheese, yogurt, almonds, and broccoli.
  • Foods high in iron include red meat, shellfish, poultry, eggs, beans, raisins, whole grain bread, and leafy green vegetables.
  • Foods high in protein, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids include low-mercury fish. Choose this at least twice a week.
• Do not smoke, use tobacco or tobacco-like substances such as cannabis or vaping. Using these products can harm you and your baby’s health. If you need help quitting, talk to your healthcare provider about stop-smoking programs and medicines, or go to the Alberta Quits website. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
• Do not drink alcohol or use illegal drugs. Alcohol affects everyone differently and may be a risk to your health. Alcohol passes through the placenta to your baby and may cause problems with your baby’s growth, health, and development.
• Follow your healthcare provider's directions about activity. Your healthcare provider will let you know how much, if any, exercise you can do.
• Ask your healthcare provider if you can have sex. If you are at risk for early labour, your healthcare provider may ask you to not have sex.
• Take care to prevent falls. During pregnancy, your joints are loose, and your balance is off. Sports such as bicycling, skiing, or in-line skating can increase your risk of falling. For information about activities you can do while pregnant to to Physical activity during pregnancy.
• Avoid things that can make your body too hot and may be harmful to your baby, such as a hot tub or sauna. Or talk with your healthcare provider before doing anything that raises your body temperature. They can tell you if it's safe.
• Do not take any over-the-counter or medicines or natural health products without talking to your healthcare provider or pharmacist first.