Pregnancy & Prenatal Care
You can do a lot of things to improve the chance of having a healthy pregnancy. And you should not do some other things! Knowing what to do and what to avoid will help you and your baby stay well.
* Ask your health care provider before you take any medicines, even ones you can buy without a prescription.
* Go to all your prenatal health care visits.
* Don’t drink alcohol, take drugs, or smoke. When you drink alcohol, smoke, or take drugs, your baby does, too!
* Have a routine for exercise. Follow your health care provider’s advice.
* Eat healthy foods.
* Take your prenatal vitamins (vitamin pills) every day. These also supply the minerals you need.
* Get plenty of rest.
* Wash your hands throughout the day.
* Accept all your emotions. Express your feelings to others.
* Learn to deal with stress. Experts think stress may limit blood supply to the placenta. The placenta is the baby’s only source of oxygen and nutrients.
* Don’t have X-rays unless your prenatal health care provider says it’s okay.
* Avoid harmful chemicals such as paint fumes, insect poisons, and weed killers. Ask your health care provider what else you should avoid.
* When you use cleaning agents, wear rubber gloves. Make sure there is plenty of fresh air.
* Don’t wear high-heeled shoes.
* Don’t pick up, carry, or move heavy objects.
* Stay out of hot tubs and saunas. When you bathe, use warm water only. Never use hot water. Put a rubber mat in the tub or shower to prevent slipping.
* Don’t handle cat feces or cat litter. If you have a cat, have someone else empty the litter box. Cat droppings can carry a disease called toxoplasmosis. (Eating meat that is not cooked enough can cause this, too.) If a pregnant woman gets this disease, the baby can be harmed. It’s okay to pet your cat.
* Don’t have any contact with hamsters, guinea pigs or any rodents. These animals can carry a virus that can cause severe harm to your baby.
* Discuss your work life with your health care provider. Find out if it is healthy for you and your baby.
* Find out if you should limit or stop having sex. Bleeding or pain during sex could be reasons. Ask your health care provider.
* Always wear lap and shoulder seat belts when you ride in a vehicle. Fasten the lap belt as low as you can, below your belly.
* Are you going far from home late in your pregnancy? Have your health care provider refer you to a provider in the area where you are going. Take a copy of your prenatal records with you.
* When you travel:
– By plane or train, get up and walk around every now and then. Get an aisle seat.
– By car, stop at least every 2 hours and do the same.
© American Institute for Preventive Medicine