Congratulations,
you're pregnant! Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be
stressful. Knowing that you are doing all you can to stay healthy during
pregnancy and give your baby a healthy
start in life will help you to have peace of mind.
|
Do You Know…
Smoking during
pregnancy is the
single most preventable cause of
illness and death among
mothers
and infants. |
Follow these links to learn more about how to have a healthy
pregnancy.
●
Healthy Pregnancy Overview
Healthy Pregnancy A
to Z: Check out this quick guide of health habits to think about
during pregnancy.
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Preventing Problems
Folic Acid: Folic acid is
a B vitamin that can help prevent major birth defects. Take a
vitamin with 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day, before
and during pregnancy.
Smoking during
pregnancy is the single most preventable cause of illness and
death among mothers and infants. Learn more about the dangers of
smoking and find help to quit.
Alcohol: When you drink alcohol, so
does your unborn baby. There is no known safe amount of alcohol to
drink while pregnant.
Vaccinations: Talk to your doctor about
vaccinations (shots). Many are safe and recommended during
pregnancy, but some are not. Having the right vaccinations at the
right time can help keep you and your baby healthy.
Infections: You won’t always know
if you have an infection—sometimes you won’t even feel sick. Learn
how to help prevent infections that could harm your unborn baby.
HIV:
If you are pregnant or are thinking about becoming pregnant, get a
test for HIV as soon as possible and encourage your partner to get
tested as well. If you have HIV and you are pregnant, there is a lot
you can do to keep yourself healthy and not give HIV to your baby.
West Nile Virus: Take steps to reduce your risk for West Nile
virus and other mosquito-borne infections.
Diabetes: Poor control of
diabetes during pregnancy increases the chance for birth defects and
other problems for your baby. It can cause serious complications for
you, too.
Hypertension:
Existing high blood pressure can increase your risk of problems
during pregnancy.
Medications: Taking certain medications
during pregnancy might cause serious birth defects for your baby.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any medications you are
taking. These include prescription and over-the-counter medications
and dietary or herbal supplements.
Environmental and
Workplace Exposures: Some workplace hazards can affect the
health of your unborn baby. Learn how to prevent certain workplace
hazards. If you are worried about a specific substance, please
click here.
Unborn
Babies Exposed to Radiation: If you think you might
have been exposed to radiation, talk with your doctor.
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Genetics and Family History
Genetics:
Understanding genetic factors and genetic disorders is important for
learning more about preventing birth defects, developmental
disabilities, and other unique conditions in children.
- Genetic
Testing: If you are worried about passing a disorder to your
child, talk to your doctor about doing some blood tests (genetic
tests) before the baby is born.
-
Family History: Family members share their genes and their
environment, lifestyles, and habits. A family history can help
identify possible disease risks for you and your baby.
-
Genetic Counselor: Your doctor might suggest that you see a
genetic counselor if you have a family history of a genetic
condition or have had several miscarriages or infant deaths.
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Other Concerns
Bleeding Disorders:
Bleeding and clotting disorders can cause serious problems during
pregnancy, including miscarriage. If you have a bleeding or clotting
disorder, talk with your doctor.
Hurricanes:
A natural disaster like a hurricane or tornado is devastating for
anyone affected, but pregnant women often have special concerns.
Learn more about infections, medications, vaccinations, and toxins
that might be related to natural disasters.
Travel: If you are planning a trip
within the country or internationally, talk
to your doctor first. Travel might cause
problems during pregnancy. Also, find out
about the quality of medical care at your
destination and during transit.
Violence
and Pregnancy: Violence can lead
to injury and death among women in any stage
of life, including during pregnancy. Learn
more about violence against women, and find
out where to get help.
Click here to find out where to get help
for yourself or someone else.
●
Things to Think About Before Baby Arrives
Breastfeeding:
You and your baby gain many benefits from breastfeeding. Breast milk
is easy to digest and has antibodies that can protect your baby from
bacterial and viral infections.
Jaundice and
Kernicterus: Jaundice can sometimes lead to brain damage in
newborns. Before leaving the hospital, ask your doctor or nurse
about a jaundice bilirubin test. If you think your baby has
jaundice, call and visit your baby’s doctor right away.
Newborn
Screening: Within 48 hours of your baby’s birth, a sample of
blood is taken from a "heel stick," and the blood is tested for
treatable diseases. More than 98% of all children born in the United
States are tested for these disorders.
Sudden Infant
Death Syndrome (SIDS): SIDS is the sudden death of an infant
younger than 1 year of age that cannot be explained. Learn how to
help your baby stay safe.
Child
Safety Seats: Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of
death among children in the United States. But many of these deaths
can be prevented. Placing your baby in age- and size-appropriate
restraint system lowers the risk of serious and fatal injuries by
more than half.
To learn more about how to help keep you and your baby healthy and
safe, as well as learn about certain birth defects and medical
conditions, visit After Baby Arrives.
| If you are a healthcare professional or researcher
looking for more technical information,
click here. |
Date:
November 01, 2007
Content source: National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental
Disabilities
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