Are You Having a Baby?

Posted on December 20, 2012

Congratulations! Did you know that many things you do while you’re pregnant can affect your baby’s health? Here’s how to do all you can to give your baby a good start in life:

• Avoid smoking, alcohol, and drugs. These toxic substances harm you and your baby. If you use any of these items, ask your healthcare provider for help to quit now.
• Exercise daily. Exercise is good for you and your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about ways to get exercise.
• Eat the right foods. Eating well while you’re pregnant helps your baby grow and be healthy. It also helps you gain a healthy amount of weight during your pregnancy. Your healthcare provider can tell you more.
• See your doctor. You need prenatal care (care during your pregnancy), including:
  • Checkups and tests to make sure you and your baby are doing okay
  • Treatment for any health problems you have while you’re pregnant.
  • Help with eating healthier foods, getting enough exercise, or quitting smoking or drinking
  • Learning about pregnancy and preparing for labor and birth

Prenatal care helps you have a healthy baby. It also helps you stay healthy during pregnancy. Prenatal care:

• Reduces the risk of harm to you and your baby
• Helps you learn ways to feel better while you’re pregnant
• Gives you support and advice about taking care of yourself and your baby
• May find problems that start during pregnancy (such as gestational diabetes) so they can be treated

Did you just have a baby? It’s important for your baby to have a pediatrician. It’s also very important that you visit your doctor for postpartum care. At your postpartum visit, your doctor can:

• Check for problems before they cause issues for you.
• Ask questions about your feelings and thoughts (postpartum depression) and get help for you, if needed.
• Check on any conditions you had prior to your pregnancy.
• Talk about your nutrition needs.

Categories: Newsletter, Winter 2012 FF, Winter 2012 SF