Pregnancy Dos and Don'ts: Fact Sheets and Resources

Healthy Pregnancy Home > Pregnancy > Pregnancy Dos and Don'ts > Fact Sheets and Resources

• Prenatal Care
• Substance Abuse
• Nutrition
• Exercise

Prenatal Care

Publications

1.   Frequently Asked Questions - Pregnancy and Medications - This fact sheet provides information on whether or not it is safe to take certain medications while pregnant. Also included in this publication is information on DES and the complications this might cause during pregnancy.

   http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/pregmed.htm

2.   Frequently Asked Questions: The Basics About Folic Acid - The purpose of this question and answer sheet is to educate women of childbearing age on the importance of consuming 400 micrograms of folic acid every day. This, in turn, will reduce the risk of spina bifida by 50%-70%.

   http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/faqs.htm

3.   Guidelines for Vaccinating Pregnant Women - This publication provides information on the different types of vaccinations and whether it is safe for a pregnant woman to receive them.

   http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/preg-guide.htm

4.   MyPyramid for Pregnancy & Breastfeeding - When you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you have special nutritional needs. This section of MyPyramid.gov is designed just for you. It has advice you need to help you and your baby stay healthy.

   http://www.mypyramid.gov/mypyramidmoms/index.html

5.   Planning for a Healthy Pregnancy and Traveling While Pregnant - This section of the CDC's Yellow Book provides information on the factors you should consider before traveling internationally while you are pregnant. In addition, it gives information on how to prepare for travel, specific recommendations, and special items to pack.

   http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yb/utils/ybGet.asp?section=special&obj=pregnant.htm&cssNav=browseoy...

6.   Pregnancy Information Center, CDC - If you're pregnant or planning to get pregnant, you probably have a lot of questions. This website will help you learn how to be healthy (before, during, and after pregnancy) and give your baby a healthy start to life.

   http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/pregnancy_gateway/default.htm

7.   Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Bone Health - This publication contains information on pregnancy-associated osteoporosis, lactation and bone loss, and what you can do to keep your bones healthy during these stages of your life.

   http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Bone_Health/Pregnancy/default.asp

8.   Preventing Infections During Pregnancy - These 10 tips can help you prevent infections that could harm your unborn baby. You won’t always know if you have an infection—sometimes you won’t even feel sick. If you think you might have an infection or think you are at risk, see your doctor.

   http://www.cdc.gov/Features/pregnancy/

9. A Week-by-Week Pregnancy Calendar (Copyright © Nemours Foundation) - This illustrated pregnancy calendar is a detailed guide to all the changes taking place in your baby - and in you! Each week of pregnancy includes a description of your baby's development, as well as an explanation of the changes taking place in your body. You'll also find important medical information that will help keep you and your baby healthy.

   http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_newborn/calendar/pregnancy_calendar_intro.html...

10. First Trimester Prenatal Care (Copyright © MFMER) - This fact sheet explains what to expect during routine exams with your doctor. In addition, if you have a condition that makes your pregnancy high-risk, special tests may be performed on a regular basis to check the baby's health.

    http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/prenatal-care/PR00008/METHOD=print

11. Folic Acid Fact Sheet (Copyright © MOD) - This fact sheet stresses the importance of getting higher amounts of folic acid during pregnancy in order to prevent neural tube defects in unborn children.

    http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/173_769.asp

12. How Your Baby Grows (Copyright © MOD) - This site provides information on the development of your baby and the changes in your body during each month of pregnancy. In addition, for each month it provides information on when to go for prenatal care appointments and general tips to take care of yourself and your baby.

    http://www.marchofdimes.com/aboutus/1808_2134.asp

13. Medical Care During Pregnancy (Copyright © Nemours Foundation) - This on-line resource contains information about receiving prenatal care before getting pregnant including information on finding medical care, medical visits and tests, common concerns, taking care of yourself and talking to your doctor.

    http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_newborn/pregnancy/medical_care_pregnancy.html...

14. Pregnancy - Taking Care of You and Your Baby (Copyright © AAFP) - This publication contains information on the importance of prenatal care, what happens during doctor visits, how much weight should be gained during pregnancy, what you should eat, and also a list of do's and don’ts during pregnancy.

    http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/women/pregnancy/basics/053.html

15. Ten Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy (Copyright © Lamaze International) - This easy-to-read fact sheet provides 10 simple recommendations to help mothers ensure that they have a healthy pregnancy.

    http://www.lamaze.org/ExpectantParents/PregnancyandBirthResources/MoreTipsandTools/HealthyPregnancy/tabid/2...

Organizations

1.   Maternal and Child Health Bureau, HRSA, HHS
2.   National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Clearinghouse, NICHD, NIH, HHS
3. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Resource Center
4. Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center
5. March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
6. National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center

= Indicates Federal Resources

Substance Abuse

Publications

1.   Drinking and Your Pregnancy: When You Are Pregnant, Drinking Can Hurt Your Baby - This brochure explains how alcohol can cause problems during pregnancy and lead to fetal alcohol syndrome. It also provides a list of resources for more information and where to get help.

   http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/fas/fas.htm

2. Drinking Alcohol During Pregnancy (Copyright © MOD) - Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause physical and mental birth defects. This fact sheet explains the hazards of drinking during pregnancy and breastfeeding, the effects of the father's drinking, and what the March of Dimes is doing to prevent fetal alcohol exposure.

   http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/19695_1170.asp

3. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Why Pregnancy and Alcohol Don't Mix (Copyright © AAFP) - This fact sheet provides information on why it is dangerous to drink alcohol while you are pregnant, what fetal alcohol syndrome is, and where to go to get help if the patient has a problem with alcohol.

   http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/women/pregnancy/fetal/068.html

4. Illicit Drug Use During Pregnancy (Copyright © MOD) - This fact sheet provides information on the dangers of using drugs during pregnancy. It discusses the effects of cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy and other amphetamines, and heroin. It also links to information on substance abuse treatment programs.

   http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/14332_1169.asp

5. Smoking During Pregnancy (Copyright © MOD) - This fact sheet explains the reasons why women should quit smoking during pregnancy. It also contains suggestions for how women can quit successfully and list helpful resources to contact for assistance with quitting.

   http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/14332_1171.asp

6. Using Illegal Street Drugs During Pregnancy (Copyright © APA) - This publication explains the risks of using illegal drugs during pregnancy. It discusses the harmful effects that marijuana, cocaine, heroin, PCP, LSD, and speed have on your baby.

   http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/illegaldrugs.html

Organizations

1.   Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), SAMHSA, OPHS, HHS
2.   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HHS
3.   National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, SAMHSA, HHS
4. American Academy of Family Physicians
5. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Resource Center
6. Great Start - For Pregnant Smokers
7. March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation

= Indicates Federal Resources

Nutrition

Publications

1.   CERHR: Listeria and Food Poisoning - This on-line resource offers information about listeria including, sources of listeria, prevention of listeria infections, listeria infections during pregnancy, diagnosis and treatment of listeriosis and contacts for additional information.

   http://cerhr.niehs.nih.gov/common/listeria.html

2.   Food Safety for Moms-To-Be (Seguridad alimentaria para futuras mamás) - This publication has information about foodborne illness in pregnancy and how to prevent it. It also has information about food safety during pregnancy and the foods that are safe to eat.
   
   Esta publicación contiene información acerca de las enfermedades que son transmitidas por los alimentos durante el embarazo y como prevenirlas. También tiene información acerca de cómo comer sanamente durante el embarazo, y los alimentos seguros para el consumo.

   http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~pregnant/pregnant.html

3.   Frequently Asked Questions: The Basics About Folic Acid - The purpose of this question and answer sheet is to educate women of childbearing age on the importance of consuming 400 micrograms of folic acid every day. This, in turn, will reduce the risk of spina bifida by 50%-70%.

   http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/faqs.htm

4.   Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Across Your Lifespan: Fit for Two: Tips for Pregnancy - This booklet contains information on eating healthy during pregnancy. It explains how many calories you should eat and how much weight you should gain. In addition, it discusses physical activity during pregnancy and losing weight after pregnancy.

   http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/two.htm

5.   MyPyramid for Pregnancy & Breastfeeding - When you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you have special nutritional needs. This section of MyPyramid.gov is designed just for you. It has advice you need to help you and your baby stay healthy.

   http://www.mypyramid.gov/mypyramidmoms/index.html

6. Are you Eating Right? (Copyright © Yale-New Haven Hospital) - This fact sheet provides information on the importance of a healthy diet while you are pregnant and the importance of getting enough nutrients like calcium, folate, iron, protein, and plenty of water. Foods and substances that should be avoided are listed as well.

   http://www.ynhh.com/maternity/healthy/eating.html

7. Eating During Pregnancy (Copyright © Nemours Foundation) - This publication explains the importance of eating well during pregnancy. It lists the different nutrients that are necessary and the foods that provide them. It also discusses food cravings and the foods and beverages that should be avoided during pregnancy.

   http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit/nutrition/eating_pregnancy.html

8. Eating for Two (Copyright © MOD) - This brochure provides information on nutrition during pregnancy including helpful hints, and a food guide pyramid to aid in having a healthy pregnancy.

   http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/159_823.asp

9. Pregnancy and Pica: Non-Food Cravings (Copyright © APA) - This publication explains what causes non-food cravings or pica during pregnancy, whether or not they are harmful to the baby, and what to do if you are having these cravings.

   http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/unusualcravingspica.html

10. Pregnancy nutrition: Foods to Avoid (Copyright © MFMER) - This publication gives information on the types of seafood, meat, poultry, and dairy products that should be avoided during pregnancy. It also explains why caffeine, alcohol, and some herbal teas should be avoided or used in moderation.

    http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/pregnancy-nutrition/PR00109/METHOD=print&

Organizations

1.   Food and Drug Administration, HHS
2.   Food and Nutrition Information Center, NAL, USDA
3.   National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Clearinghouse, NICHD, NIH, HHS
4.   Weight Control Information Network, NIDDK, NIH, HHS
5. American Dietetic Association
6. International Food Information Council
7. March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation

= Indicates Federal Resources

Exercise

Publications

1.     Exercising Your Pelvic Muscles - This publication describes exercises for the pelvic floor muscles, called Kegel exercises, and how they can help restore or maintain bladder control.

   http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/pdf/exercise_ez.pdf

2. During Your Pregnancy: Spotlight on Exercise (Copyright © MOD) - This fact sheet discusses the safety of exercise during pregnancy and provides some guidelines on how to exercise safely throughout your pregnancy.

   http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/159_515.asp

3. Effects of Exercise on Pregnancy (Copyright © APA) - This publication lists some of the positive effects exercise can have on pregnancy and childbirth. Also, it explains what to watch out for so exercise during pregnancy remains safe and healthy for you and your baby.

   http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/effectsofexerciseonpreg.html

4. Exercise During Pregnancy (Copyright © University of Michigan) - This publication provides information on activity guidelines during pregnancy, when you should stop exercising, and which muscles are the most important to work on.

   http://www.med.umich.edu/obgyn/smartmoms/pregnancy/exercise/index.htm

5. Exercise Guidelines During Pregnancy (Copyright © APA) - This publication provides a list of guidelines to follow when planning an exercise program during pregnancy.

   http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/exerciseguidelines.html

6. Exercising During Pregnancy (Copyright © Nemours Foundation) - This publication explains what the benefits of exercising during pregnancy are, what a safe exercise plan is, which exercises you can do, and which you should avoid. It also explains what Kegal exercises are and how to do them.

   http://kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy/pregnancy/exercising_pregnancy.html

7. Healthy Eating During Pregnancy (Copyright © IFIC) - This brochure contains information about how to maintain a healthy eating habit throughout pregnancy. You will find information about calories and nutrient concerns, a food guide pyramid, answers to questions about vitamin and mineral supplements, morning sickness and information about food safety related issues.

   http://ific.org/publications/brochures/pregnancybroch.cfm

8. Pregnancy and Exercise: What You Can Do for A Healthy Pregnancy (Copyright © AAFP) - This publication discusses exercising while you are pregnant, how to start an exercise program, and how to be careful.

   http://familydoctor.org/305.xml

9. Recreation and Pregnancy (Copyright © APA) - This publication lists the type of activities that are safe and unsafe to participate in when you are pregnant.

   http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/recreation.html

Organizations

1. American Academy of Family Physicians
2. American Council on Exercise
3. March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation

= Indicates Federal Resources

Current as of March 2007