Prenatal Care: Changing Lifestyle

The foundation of your baby's solid growth and development is based on a healthy lifestyle begun early in your pregnancy.

• Eating well balanced meals and mild exercise is beneficial to both mother and baby. Both will need a solid foundation for the rapid changes that both of their bodies are undergoing.

• Stay in touch with and follow your doctor's instructions closely. Avoid all alcohol and drugs.

• Your pregnancy may be the extra push you need to quit smoking or avoid alcohol. Smoking can severly affect your baby's growth and well-being. Drugs and alcohol can damage your baby so severly that it can die or become mentally retarded.

• Check with your doctor before taking any medication. This includes both prescribed and over the counter medicines.

• Pregnancy can put special demands on you. Family members and friends can give you that extra needed support. Seek them out if you can.

• It is also advisable to check with your employer about your maternity benefits. The sooner you find out the information you'll need the sooner you can make additional arrangements and avoid last minute problems.

• Choose your practitioner carefully. Whether you decide on an obstetrician, or a midwife, meet with several, and see if you both have the same philosophy about pregnancy and delivery. Both you and your partner must feel comfortable with whomever you choose.

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