September 23, 2025 Your health is ALWAYS super important. However, during pregnancy, there are specific ways to take care of yourself and invest in your health both for your wellbeing and that of your growing baby. At Clearway, your free pregnancy confirmation appointment also includes nurse education on various aspects of a healthy pregnancy. Let’s talk about a few of those now! Confirming Your Pregnancy Okay, step one. You missed your period, now what? If you’ve just missed your period, you might be feeling a mix of emotions: uncertainty, anxiety, maybe even hope. The first thing you can do is check your period tracker app (if you use one) to see when you last ovulated. That can give you a rough idea of your timing. Next, consider taking an at-home pregnancy test. These tests detect the hormone hCG in your urine, which can indicate pregnancy. If the result is positive, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed or unsure about what comes next. The important thing to know is that a pregnancy test only confirms the presence of hCG (the hormone primarily produced during pregnancy) but it doesn’t tell you how far along you are or whether the pregnancy is developing as it should. Some pregnancy tests can detect hCG within the first few weeks after conception so you may have a positive result before you’ve even started feeling pregnancy symptoms. The only way to truly confirm a pregnancy is by having an ultrasound. That’s why your next step should be scheduling an ultrasound. An ultrasound can confirm the pregnancy, estimate how many weeks you are, and provide clarity about what’s happening in your body. Getting answers early can help you feel more grounded and informed as you decide what to do next. We can also provide proof of pregnancy and gestational age for you so you can begin receiving prenatal care. You can schedule your pregnancy confirmation ultrasound free of charge at Clearway Clinic. Miscarriage & Ectopic Precautions If you just found out you’re pregnant, you might be experiencing a wide range of emotions. Excitement, nervousness, joy, fear. Planned or unplanned, pregnancy and motherhood bring on a whole new range of ideas and feelings. During early pregnancy, it’s especially necessary to be aware and informed about miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. Miscarriage is the loss of a baby (fetus or embryo) less than halfway (20 weeks) through a full-term pregnancy. Miscarriage is very common, as research suggests as many as 30% or more of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. Symptoms of miscarriage can include vaginal bleeding/spotting (with or without abdominal pain/cramping). However, sometimes there are no obvious signs. Lack or loss of pregnancy symptoms can also be a sign of miscarriage. Miscarriage can be diagnosed through pelvic exam, ultrasound, or blood test (drop in hormone levels). The cause of a miscarriage is often not identified. A miscarriage may occur due to fetal abnormalities, long term health conditions, infections or immune system abnormalities, or abnormalities in the shape/function of reproduction organs. Miscarriage is probably NOT caused by emotional stress, birth control pills taken in early pregnancy, typical work environments or activities. Ectopic Pregnancy refers to a pregnancy growing in the wrong place. Normally, the implantation of a pregnancy takes place inside the uterus, where it can grow healthily. An ectopic pregnancy is one that implants elsewhere, such as in a fallopian tube (where fertilization takes place), ovary, cervix, or abdominal cavity. Ectopic pregnancy is rare, but it can be life-threatening. At first, an ectopic pregnancy might seem like a typical pregnancy with many similar symptoms. As it grows, more serious symptoms may appear, including: Severe pain located on one side of the abdomen or pelvis Lightheadedness, dizziness, or blackouts Vaginal bleeding may or may not be present Passage of tissue (not just blood clots) from your vagina Ectopic pregnancy is considered a medical emergency. If you suspect you have an ectopic pregnancy, get medical treatment immediately from an emergency room or OBGYN. Failure to get help may result in a ruptured internal organ and bleeding in your abdomen, putting you at greater risk of death from shock (dangerously low blood pressure) or infection. A doctor may perform a pelvic exam, blood test, or an ultrasound to confirm an ectopic pregnancy. In most cases, the causes of ectopic pregnancy are unknown and there’s nothing you could have done to prevent it. However, a woman is at higher risk for ectopic pregnancy if: She’s had a previous ectopic pregnancy Has had an infection in the fallopian tubes or certain STIs (such as gonorrhea or chlamydia) Has had a pelvic infection from an IUD Gets pregnant with an IUD in her uterus Ectopic pregnancy always requires treatment, either via medication or surgery. Several weeks of follow-care are required either way. If the ectopic pregnancy has ruptured a tube, emergency surgery is needed. Morning Sickness Morning sickness refers to nausea or vomiting during pregnancy, and is most common in the first trimester. While most common in the morning, it can occur at any time of day. The causes are unknown, but it may result from increased hormone levels and other changes to the body during pregnancy. As long as you’re able to drink plenty of fluids and maintain a healthy diet, morning sickness should not affect your baby’s health. While there’s no “cure” for morning sickness, there are many things you can try to alleviate the symptoms. Some ideas include: Eat a few crackers before getting out of bed in the morning. Eat small, frequent meals during the day to avoid hunger. Keep crackers or dry cereal with you to eat. Eat foods that are high in protein and complex carbohydrates. Drink plenty of fluids between meals. Avoid fatty, spicy acidic rich and strongly flavored foods. Avoid strong odors. Turn on a fan or open a window to keep your kitchen well-ventilated. Exercise as recommended by your healthcare professional. Take your prenatal vitamins or supplements with a meal or at bedtime unless otherwise recommended by your healthcare professional. Talk to your healthcare professional about taking vitamin B-6 or using ginger or peppermint to help ease your symptoms. Some women may find relief by using an acupressure wristband which you can find at your local pharmacy. (Sea Bands or Psi Bands) Get plenty of rest and take time to relax. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke. Talk to your doctor if your nausea/vomiting are not improving, you have lost more than 2 pounds, you’re vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, you’re experiencing severe vomiting, you can’t keep fluids down for 24 hours, or you’re craving something unusual (like dirt or metal). Marijuana Use & Pregnancy Using marijuana during pregnancy can affect your baby’s development. Research shows that marijuana use during pregnancy may increase the risk of complications such as low birth weight, premature birth, and stillbirth. It may also affect brain development, which can lead to problems with attention, learning, and behavior as your child grows. Breathing in marijuana smoke isn’t safe either. Like tobacco smoke, marijuana smoke contains harmful chemicals, including carbon monoxide and tar, which can reduce the oxygen supply to your baby and increase the risk of developmental issues. In addition to the physical effects, marijuana use may impair a mother’s ability to care for her baby. It can affect judgment, coordination, and reaction time, which can impact safe infant care and bonding. If you’ve already had your baby and are breastfeeding, it’s important to know that THC (Cannabinol)—the main psychoactive compound in marijuana—can pass to your baby through breast milk. THC is stored in body fat and released slowly, which means your baby may be exposed even after you’ve stopped using marijuana Although research on marijuana use while breastfeeding is still limited and sometimes conflicting, most health experts, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), recommend avoiding marijuana use while breastfeeding to reduce potential risks. Pregnancy Food Awareness Pregnancy is a great time to pause and think about what you’re eating! A well-balanced diet will help your baby grow healthily and help you feel your best. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, full of important nutrients and fiber (helps prevent constipation during pregnancy). Whole grains are a recommended source of carbohydrates, and you should also consume healthy sources of fats and proteins. Avoid raw shellfish, raw/undercooked meats and chicken, soft ripened cheeses, and unpasteurized dairy. Try not to have more than 200mg of caffeine daily; limit coffee and energy drinks. Wash your hands and surfaces often! Take care of you and baby. Good nutrition during your pregnancy benefits you – and your baby! Conclusion Whew, a lot of info! If you feel overwhelmed, remember: you can take this one day at a time, and you’re going to be okay. There are concrete steps you can take towards a healthy pregnancy. And congratulations! This is an exciting new journey you’re on. Start by scheduling your free pregnancy confirmation appointment today. Reviewed by Sheri B. Please note: The information in this article is not meant to replace advice from a medical professional. Talk to your medical provider for questions and information about Rh factor and other topics.
