Emory Univ :: S.O.M. :: GYN-OB Dept. :: You're Pregnant and You're Going to Have a Baby

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			maternity You're Pregnant and You're Going to Have a Baby Seven Steps to Having a Healthy Baby

			Stop drinking Stop drinking alcoholic beverages. Even a small amount of alcohol is dangerous for your baby. Avoid alcohol for the rest of your pregnancy! Fetal alcohol syndrome is the most common cause of mental retardation. Just one drink a day puts your baby at risk. Take folic acid Folic Acid is an important vitamin. It can be found in green leafy vegetables and peas. Go to your local drug store today and tell them you need prenatal vitamins that have folic acid. Folic acid helps prevents some types of severe birth defects. Find a doctor, nurse midwife, or clinic you can trust Make an appointment with as soon as possible. Tell your clinician all medications that you are taking. Stop smoking This addictive habit is extremely hazardous to you and your baby. Don't let others smoke around you! If you can't stop smoking completely, cut back as much as possible. Speak with your clinician or call your local American Lung Association or American Cancer Society branch to learn more about stop smoking groups or individual counseling available in your area. Weight gain Weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy produces the healthiest babies. Now is not the time to lose weight. A slow steady weight gain is best. If you begin gaining more than 2 pounds a week, check with your clinician. Eat a well-balanced diet Eat a variety of foods from each food group with a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. Be sure your diet includes plenty of calcium. Four cups of milk or 5 Tums per day should do the trick. If you need help, talk to a registered dietician. Limit your caffeine intake. Protect against STD infection Use Condoms if there is any risk of HIV or other sexually transmitted infections during this pregnancy. Don't let an infection hurt your health or your baby's health! Good luck with your pregnancy Take great care of yourself and your baby! Start thinking now about nursing your baby. Complete information about what you should do to have the healthiest baby possible is available through your clinician.

			Last Update: 12/13/2005