Congratulations on your pregnancy! Did you know that many things you do while you're pregnant can affect your baby's health? Do all you can to give your baby a good start in life. This includes:
- Avoiding smoking, alcohol, and drugs. These harm you and your baby. If you use any of these, ask your healthcare provider for help to quit now.
- Exercising daily. Exercise is good for you and your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about ways to get exercise.
- Eating 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.
What Is Prenatal Care?
Prenatal care is care during your pregnancy. It can include:
- 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.
Why You Need Prenatal Care
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 on taking care of yourself and your baby.
- Can find certain problems that start during pregnancy (such as gestational diabetes) so they can be treated.
Questions for Your Healthcare Provider
Some questions to ask your healthcare provider include:
- How often should I come in for prenatal care?
- What changes should I make while I'm pregnant to keep my baby and me healthy?
- What can I do to prepare for my baby's birth?
To Learn More
The resources below can tell you more about staying healthy while pregnant.
- Maternal and Child Health Bureau
800-311-2229
http://mchb.hrsa.gov/programs/womeninfants/prenatal.htm - National Women's Health Information Center
800-994-9662
www.4woman.gov - American Academy of Family Physicians
www.familydoctor.org - The National Partnership to Help Pregnant Smokers Quit
800-784-8669
www.helppregnantsmokersquit.org - National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
www.nofas.org
