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.
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.
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.
Some questions to ask your healthcare provider include:
How often should I come in for prenatal care?
What changes should I make while I'm pregnant to keep my baby and me healthy?
What can I do to prepare for my baby's birth?
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
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Dr. Khan is an amazing doctor, she truly cares for her patients and gives them the needed time and attention. Dr. Khan is a very good person and I would highly recommend her. — E.P.
