Prenatal Care for a Healthy Baby

Congratulations on your pregnancy! Did you know that many things you do while you're pregnant can affect your baby's health? Do all you can to give your baby a good start in life. This includes:

• Avoiding smoking, alcohol, and drugs.These harm you and your baby. If you use any of these, ask your healthcare provider for help to quit now.

• Exercising daily.Exercise is good for you and your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about ways to get exercise.

• Eating the right foods.Eating well while you're pregnant helps your baby grow and be healthy. It also helps you gain a healthy amount of weight during your pregnancy. Your healthcare provider can tell you more.

What Is Prenatal Care?

Prenatal care is care during your pregnancy. It can include:

• Checkups and tests to make sure you and your baby are doing okay.

• Treatment for any health problems you have while you're pregnant.

• Help with eating healthier foods, getting enough exercise, or quitting smoking or drinking.

• Learning about pregnancy and preparing for labor and birth.

Why You Need Prenatal Care

Prenatal care helps you have a healthy baby. It also helps you stay healthy during pregnancy. Prenatal care:

• Reduces the risk of harm to you and your baby.

• Helps you learn ways to feel better while you're pregnant.

• Gives you support and advice on taking care of yourself and your baby.

• Can find certain problems that start during pregnancy (such as gestational diabetes) so they can be treated.

Questions for Your Healthcare Provider

Some questions to ask your healthcare provider include:

• How often should I come in for prenatal care?

• What changesshould I make while I'm pregnant to keep my baby and me healthy?

• What can I do to prepare for my baby's birth?

To Learn More

The resources below can tell you more about staying healthy while pregnant.

• Maternal and Child Health Bureau

  800-311-2229

  http://mchb.hrsa.gov/programs/womeninfants/prenatal.htm

• National Women's Health Information Center

  800-994-9662

  www.4woman.gov

• American Academy of Family Physicians

  www.familydoctor.org

• The National Partnership to Help Pregnant Smokers Quit

  800-784-8669

  www.helppregnantsmokersquit.org

• National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

  www.nofas.org