Relax, and remember 3 things to protect your pregnancy.

You may feel overwhelmed about everything you need to remember now you’re pregnant. Relax. Here are three of the most important things you need to know

1. Visit Your Doctor

Your doctor will help you figure out your due date, which will be about 40 weeks after your last period began. You can use our online due date calculator to estimate.

You and your doctor discuss any special pregnancy risk factors you may have, so that you can make any changes that will help the health of you and your baby.

This is also the time that you and your health care provider will talk about a schedule for visits during your pregnancy.

The standard timetable is:

• Once a month for about the first 28 weeks of pregnancy
• Every two to three weeks from 28 to 36 weeks
• Once a week from 36 weeks until delivery

Common tests
Your provider may also schedule certain tests, depending on your pregnancy risk factors:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Previous preterm delivery

Delivery options
In later months, you will also discuss delivery options and visit the labor and delivery suite.

High-risk pregnancy
Your pregnancy may be considered high-risk if you have some of these factors:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• If you develop gestational diabetes
• Expecting more than one child

Your provider may refer you to a specialist. Your health care plan may have a special program for women with high-risk pregnancies.

2. Eat Right

Nutrition is important to you and your baby. Here are some basics:

• You will need about 300 more calories a day than you did before you were pregnant.
• If you're of average weight, you should gain 25 to 35 pounds while you are pregnant.
• Folic acid continues to be important.
• You should also be sure you're getting enough protein, calcium, and iron.
• It is crucial that you get enough to drink and stay hydrated now, too.

3. Stay Active

Staying fit while you're pregnant will help you deal with the demands pregnancy places on your body, and it also may make labor and delivery a little easier.

Good ways to stay fit are:

• Swimming
• Brisk walking
• Participating in prenatal exercise classes 

But don't overdo it. Working out too hard can affect blood and oxygen flow to your baby. Discuss your exercise plan with your health care provider before you begin. Avoid getting overheated, drink plenty of water, and make sure you wear comfortable shoes and a supportive bra.