WHEN YOU’RE PREGNANT,
a lot
of things that you do can have an
effect on your baby—even long
after he or she is born.
That’s why it’s crucial to make
good decisions. The best way to
take care of your baby is to take
care of yourself.
Prenatal Care
Pregnant women who see a health
care provider regularly have fewer
problems during pregnancy and
delivery and healthier babies than
women who don’t get adequate
prenatal care, according to the
March of Dimes.
Your provider will talk
with you about the best
ways to give your baby a
healthy start in life, answer
questions, and make sure
you and your baby are
healthy. Regular
prenatal care
also gives your
provider
a better
Expect the best when
you’re expecting. Visit
and select “Birthing Center.”
chance to detect and treat
problems early, according to
the Office on Women’s Health.
Diet
Aim to eat a low-fat diet filled with
fruits, vegetables, whole grains,
protein and calcium-rich foods.
Avoid fish that contains high levels
of mercury. Cook meat, lunch meat,
eggs and fish thoroughly. Avoid
unpasteurized milk and cheeses.
Exercise
Following a regular exercise
program during pregnancy may
help labor and delivery go more
smoothly, and being in good
physical condition may make it
easier to get back in shape.
If you were exercising before you
became pregnant, it’s usually OK
to continue. But ask your provider
about which exercises are safe.
If you don’t already exercise,
start slowly and don’t overdo it.
Consider light exercises, unless
your provider says otherwise.
Bill Burt and Dr.
Meghan O’Brien
and their children,
Mya, Liam, Ruby,
and baby Elsy,
with their family
physician, Dr. Bart
Kneeland
More Healthy Hints
➜
Do not smoke or use alcohol or
illegal drugs during pregnancy.
➜
Talk to your provider about your
medications or supplements.
➜
Limit coffee and other caffeinated
drinks to one or two cups a day.
➜
Ask your provider how much
weight you should gain. For
many women, 25 to 35 pounds
is about right.
➜
Get 400 to 800 micrograms of
folic acid a day—some women
may need up to 2,000. Ask
your provider about taking a
multivitamin.
➜
If you have a cat, have someone
else change the litter box to help
prevent toxoplasmosis.
➜
Ask your provider whether there
are vaccinations you may need.
PREGNANCY
Healthier You,
Healthier Baby
8
Pathways •
