If you are not then you should have a vaccination before you conceive. Mothers who contract rubella during pregnancy have a high risk of giving birth to a baby with mental retardation, heart defects, and deafness. For those who have never had chicken pox, a vaccine is now available and should be given before your pregnancy. Your physician will recommend waiting three months after receiving these vaccines before conceiving. HIV Discussing HIV screening is important, even if you are in a low risk group.
Requirements differ from state to state about routine counseling and testing for pregnant women.
Counseling and testing before or during early pregnancy allows an HIV positive woman to receive proper treatment that decreases the chance of transmitting the virus to her baby. Diet and Weight Gain Normal weight gain during pregnancy averages about 35 pounds. For those who are extremely overweight or underweight, this is a good time to make changes in your diet and exercise habits. Do not start taking any dietary supplements or nutritional aids without a physician ' s advice. Some unregulated products may contain high doses of substances unsafe for you or your baby.