Congratulations, you are pregnant!

You hold the stick in your hand. Two lines. You double-check the instructions, just to be sure. Yes, indeed. Two lines. Your belly is starting to change. Whether it's a planned pregnancy or not, whether it's your first or eighth, the whirlwind of emotions is completely understandable. Now what? What should you do? Who should you call? Wait, can you even use the phone during pregnancy? What about radiation? Can you eat something? What is allowed during pregnancy?

A happy woman who is pregnant

Thousands of questions are flooding your mind from every direction. At this point, if someone were to ask you what your name is, you might struggle to give a coherent answer.
Take a moment, calm down. Regulate your breathing. Take some time to organize your thoughts, to center yourself.

Now what?

First of all, there are two calls you need to make:

  • The first one is with someone significant in your life, whether it's the baby's father, your mother, or a close friend. While pregnancy is not an illness, billions of women have been through it before, and you'll hear plenty of clichés, but this is your pregnancy. It's unique. It's different. It's special. And yes, you could go through it alone, but you don't have to. A support system is critical for your mental health, it empowers happiness and eases difficulties.
  • The second call is with the person who will be significant in your life for the next nine months – your OBGYN. Your OBGYN will play a crucial role in the coming months, responsible for your health and the health of the baby. It's essential that you feel comfortable with your healthcare provider and that you feel you're in good hands.

You can schedule appointments through Leumit’s website, app, or the customer service call center at 507*. It's recommended to schedule your first appointment between weeks 6 and 12 of your pregnancy. 

Your first pre-natal doctor's appointment

During the visit, you'll:

  • go through your medical history and general health,
  • receive recommendations for iron and folic acid supplementation,
  • have blood and urine tests done
  • Depending on the week of your pregnancy, you'll have an ultrasound to confirm the gestational age, the location of the pregnancy, fetal heart rate, and more.
  • Receive instructions for ongoing prenatal care, tests, and more.

Until that appointment, what can you do?

Before that appointment, you can start making lifestyle changes aimed at protecting and preserving your health and the health of your baby:

A woman breaks a cigarette

Quit smoking:

Smoking during pregnancy is harmful to both the fetus and the mother. It increases the risk of low birth weight, miscarriages, birth defects, preterm birth, and infant death. Consider joining one of the smoking cessation workshops offered by the national healthcare system for support and assistance.

Quit Smoking Workshop
A woman is eating a salad

Healthy nutrition:

Your diet during pregnancy affects your health and the development of your baby. Maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) and gaining weight within the recommended range can reduce the risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, cesarean section, and preterm birth. Therefore, it's important to pay attention to your nutrition from the early stages of pregnancy. Focus on a diet rich in dietary fiber, fruits, vegetables, and lean meats, and limit consumption of fried or fatty foods, as well as simple carbohydrates and sweets. If you are a vegetarian, vegan, have weight issues, or suffer from diabetes, it is advisable to seek dietitian consultation as soon as possible.

Proper Nutrition During Pregnancy
A woman takes a picture of herself doing sports at home

Physical activity:

Moderate physical activity can help you cope with the physical changes that occur during pregnancy. Avoid activities that raise your heart rate too much, like jumping, but activities like walking or swimming are highly recommended.

Reduce caffeine intake:

Caffeine (found in coffee, tea, carbonated beverages, chocolate, and more) can affect fetal development. Some studies suggest a link between excessive caffeine consumption and an increased risk of miscarriages and birth defects in fetuses. The current recommendation is to limit caffeine intake to no more than two cups of caffeinated beverages per day.

Woman at the dentist

Dental check-up:

Hormonal changes during pregnancy increase the risk of gum disease and dental issues, which can be painful and problematic for the baby. It's crucial not to neglect dental and gum problems during pregnancy. Schedule an appointment with your dentist and dental hygienist today.

Dental Clinics Affiliated with Leumit

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