Pregnant for the First Time? Here's What You Should Know

Being pregnant for the first time is an exciting and exhilarating experience. If you have women in your life who have had children, they’ve probably shared stories about their pregnancies, but it’s a whole different thing when you’re the one who’s expecting.

Dr. Patricia K. Brougher and nurse practitioner Laurita Old Hudec at Bluebonnet OB/GYN in San Antonio, Texas, are devoted to pregnant mothers and can help you navigate your first pregnancy with confidence. 

Five things to know about your first pregnancy

While lots of people will tell you about weird food cravings, there are some other, more important things women pregnant for the first time can benefit from knowing. When you are prepared, you won’t panic when something that seems weird or scary happens – you’ll know it’s completely normal. You’ll also know when you should give us a call.

1. Spotting

Seeing a little bit of blood in your panties or in the toilet bowl can make you feel terrified – but if it’s only a little blood, it’s extremely unlikely that it's a serious problem. Around 25% of women have harmless spotting in the first few weeks of pregnancy. This spotting can be caused by the implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus wall. If you have a lot of blood, you should get things checked out. No matter what, you can always call Dr. Brougher or nurse practitioner Hudec if you are worried or scared.

2. Constipation

You’re probably going to have some trouble pooping. Early pregnancy can cause constipation, as hormones start to shift. You’ll get dehydrated more easily, will need to drink plenty of water, and will have to eat lots of fiber to stay regular. If necessary, your doctor can prescribe a safe stool softener. Taking a daily walk can help, too.

3. Sex

A surprising number of first-time pregnant women have no idea that after the nausea of the first trimester passes, their libido may kick into high gear. You might want a lot of sex. As long as you’re healthy and the pregnancy is proceeding as expected, there’s no reason why you can’t get it on in the bedroom.  

4. Flu

If you get the flu when you are pregnant, you can get really, really sick – even to the point of needing hospitalization. Worse, if you run a very high fever at the wrong time in your pregnancy, your baby’s development could be affected. Ask Dr. Braugher when you should get your flu shot for maximum protection for you and your baby, and, if you do get the flu, call our office right away.

5. Help

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, and it’s OK to ask for help. In fact, right now is a great time to line up help for after the baby arrives – if you can get friends and family members to commit to things like chores and meals over the first few months after the baby comes, you’ll be able to relax after birth and enjoy getting to know your little one. 

Medical support during pregnancy

You can expect to visit Bluebonnet OB/GYN when you are eight weeks pregnant, and then once a month every month for the rest of the first and all of the second trimester. In the third trimester, you’ll come to see us every two weeks until the final month, when we’ll be checking you every week until you deliver. 

You’ll have your health monitored, get ultrasounds to see your baby, and have various tests to make sure your health stays good and you’re not developing gestational diabetes. We’re always a phone call away for our expecting moms, especially the first-timers, and there’s no question that’s too embarrassing to ask. Your peace of mind is just as important as your physical wellbeing.

Did you get the two blue lines, plus sign, or smiley face when you peed on your stick? It’s time to contact Bluebonnet OB/GYN. Call 210-686-6170 or schedule your first prenatal care appointment online today.