Parent Resources

Whether you are thinking about getting pregnant or are already pregnant, there are many new things to think about. The National Women’s Health Information Center is a good website to visit to learn more about what to expect throughout your pregnancy, and there are also many good books available.

The following is also helpful information and resources that you can use before, during and after your pregnancy to make sure that you and your baby stay healthy and safe.

Thinking About Getting Pregnant

If you are thinking of getting pregnant, the time is now to make lifestyle adjustments to make sure you are in the best health possible.

The March of Dimes "Lucky 13 Checklist:"

1. Take a multivitamin supplement that's includes folic acid everyday.
2. Stop smoking* and avoid second-hand smoke. Check our page on Tobacco Cessation  for more information.
3. Stop drinking alcohol.
4. Don't use illegal drugs.
5. Go for a pre-pregnancy checkup. Talk to your primary doctor about scheduling one.
6. Learn about genetics.
7. Avoid infections.
8. Avoid hazardous chemicals at home and work.
9. Avoid stress.
10. Eat right.
11. Maintain a healthy weight.
12. Get fit.
13. Help Dad get healthy too.

When You Are Pregnant

Eating for Two

What you eat and what you don’t eat during pregnancy are important decisions for your baby.  Forget the old wives’ tale about craving pickles and ice cream and learn more about how to give birth to a healthy baby.  

Here are some helpful links:

http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp001.cfm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pregnancy-nutrition/PR00110
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pregnancy-nutrition/PR00109
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/pregnancynutrition.html
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/pubs/bibs/topics/pregnancy/pregcon.pdf

Tobacco Cessation: QUIT SMOKING!

Women who quit smoking before or early in pregnancy significantly reduce the risk for several adverse outcomes.

Compared with women who do not smoke—

• Women who smoke prior to pregnancy are about twice as likely to experience a delay in conception and have approximately 30% higher odds of being infertile.
• Women who smoke during pregnancy are about twice as likely to experience premature rupture of membranes, placental abruption, and placenta previa during pregnancy.

Babies born to women who smoke during pregnancy:

• Have about 30% higher odds of being born prematurely.
• Are more likely to be born with low birth weight (less than 2500 grams or 5.5 pounds), increasing their risk for illness or death.
• Weigh an average of 200 grams less than infants born to women who do not smoke
• are 1.4 to 3.0 times more likely to die of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Source:  Department of Health and Human  Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Going the Distance Makes a Difference

"More and more births are being scheduled a little early for non-medical reasons. Experts are learning that this can cause problems for both mom and baby. If possible, it's best to stay pregnant for at least 39 to 40 weeks. "

To read this full article on "Why the Last Weeks of Pregnancy Count" at the March of Dimes website, click here.

Drugs and Pregnancy: A Double Danger

When a woman becomes pregnant, it is very important for her to lead a healthy life: to eat plenty of nourishing food, get plenty of rest, and exercise regularly. It is also vital that she avoid anything that might harm her or her baby-to-be. It is especially important to give up alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs.

For a pregnant woman, drug abuse is doubly dangerous. First, drugs may harm her own health, interfering with her ability to support the pregnancy. Second, some drugs can directly impair prenatal development.

Which Drugs are Dangerous?

Virtually all illegal drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, pose dangers to a pregnant woman. Legal substances, such as alcohol and tobacco, are also dangerous, and even medical drugs, both prescription and over-the-counter, can be harmful. For her own health and the health of her baby-to-be, a woman should avoid all of them as much as possible, from the time she first plans to become pregnant or learns that she is pregnant.

Source: American Council for Drug Education Facts for Parents