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Maternal Child Health Field Nursing

Suggestions for a Healthy Pregnancy

Now that you're pregnant, you may need to take some extra steps to keep your body and your baby healthy. Here are some suggestions to get you started on this exciting journey to motherhood.

See Your Doctor or Midwife for Prenatal Care

Mothers-to-be who see a health care provider regularly during pregnancy have healthier babies. They are less likely to give birth prematurely, and less likely to have other serious problems related to pregnancy. As soon as you think you are pregnant, call your health care provider to find out when you should come in for your first prenatal care appointment. Information about free or low-cost health insurance for pregnant women is available from the Maternal, Child, Adolescent Health website.

Eating for Two

To get the nutrients you and your baby need, choose foods from the five healthy food groups: grain products, fruits, vegetables, protein foods, and milk and milk products. Eat a variety of foods every day, drink plenty of water and avoid or limit caffeine-containing beverages such as coffee, tea and cola. Your health care provider may recommend a prenatal multivitamin.

Exercise

Unless there are medical reasons to avoid it, pregnant women can and should try to exercise. Of course, check with your health care provider first. Consider brisk walking, swimming, yoga or aerobics. Avoid activities that put you at high risk for injury, such as horseback riding or skiing. Also avoid sports in which you could get hit in the abdomen or that require you to lay flat on your back, especially after the third month.

Drinking Alcohol

Stay away from alcohol while you are pregnant. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can harm a developing baby. Alcohol can cause your baby to be born with physical and mental birth defects called Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). FAS is the leading preventable cause of mental retardation.

No one knows exactly how much alcohol a woman has to drink to cause FAS in her baby. There is no "safe" amount of consumption during pregnancy, so experts agree that the best thing to do is not drink alcohol at all during pregnancy.

If you find it hard to stay away from alcohol, get help. There is no more important time to stop than when you are pregnant.

Smoking

Smoking tobacco is known to be detrimental to your baby's well being. When you smoke your baby gets less oxygen. Lack of oxygen can cause your baby to grow too slowly and gain less weight in the womb. Smoking during pregnancy is also associated with miscarriage and premature birth.

If you smoke, quit or cut back as much as you can. We know it's hard, but do this for your baby. Here are some resources that can help:

California Smokers Helpline: 1-800-NO-BUTTS
Helpline services are free, funded by the California Department of Health.

Local Smoking Cessation Programs
Provided by the Dept. of Health Services, Prevention and Planning Division.

What You Need to Know about Marijuana and Methamphetamines

Marijuana
Pot and pregnancy don't mix. Marijuana crosses the placenta and can affect your baby. Marijuana use during pregnancy has been linked to low birth weight in the baby and withdrawal-like symptoms, including excessive crying and tremors. Some studies suggest that later in life these children are at increased risk for attention disorders and learning problems.

Stay away from marijuana. If you can't give up the habit by yourself, ask for assistance.

Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine and other street drugs are harmful to your health at any time, but your developing baby is particularly vulnerable. Virtually all drugs cross the placenta and affect your baby's health.

Babies can be born addicted to drugs. Methamphetamines can cause a baby to be born too early, too small, and possibly with birth defects. Other possible effects on the baby include seizures, kidney problems, heart defects and small brains with brain damage.

If you use methamphetamines or other drugs, stop now. Give your baby the best possible start.

If you need information about stopping alcohol or other drug use, here are some resources that can help:

Sonoma County Alcohol and Other Drug Services: 565-6945

Casa Teresa (Latino Commission): 573-0117
Residential treatment program for women. Bi-cultural and bi-lingual services.

Drug Abuse Alternatives Center (DAAC): 544-3295
Day treatment programs for pregnant and/or parenting women.

Orenda Center: 565-7450
Outpatient and residential treatment programs.

Women's Recovery Services: 527-0412
Residential treatment program for women.

Self-help Groups:

This information is provided by the Public Health Nurses of the Maternal Child Health Field Nursing program. If you would like more information, or services to support you in having a healthy pregnancy and baby, please call on us. We are here for you!

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