The March of Dimes Mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality though research, community services, education and advocacy.
1. Planning
a. Talk to your partner about pregnancy (nearly half of all pregnancies are unplanned)
b. Folic acid 3 months before pregnancy and during early pregnancy
c. Medical checkup, ask your doctor about medications you take
d. Stop smoking, drinking alcohol or doing drugs
e. Healthy weight
f. Save money / know about insurance coverage
2. During pregnancy
a. You don't have to give up all the foods you love when you're pregnant. You just need to eat smart and make sure that most of your choices are healthy ones.
b. In general, most women need around 300 extra calories per day during pregnancy. However, the exact amount of extra calories you need depends on your weight before pregnancy. Talk to your health provider to learn more about a healthy eating plan that's right for you.
c. Follow the serving recommendations. And watch your portions-you may be eating more than you think! Avoid too much sugar and fat in your diet.
d. Check with your doctor or the Pregnancy RiskLine 1-800-822-2229 before you start or stop taking medicines (including herbs, supplements and over-the-counter drugs).
3. Get early and regular prenatal care
a. See doctor before 13 weeks of pregnancy and get 13 visits
b. Women who receive prenatal care are more likely to have access to screening and diagnostic tests that can help to identify problems early; services to manage developing and existing problems; and education, counseling, and referral to reduce risky behaviors like substance use and poor nutrition. Such care may help improve the health of both mothers and babies.
4. Warning signs of premature labor
a. Bleeding or leaking of fluid from the vagina
b. Contractions every 10 minutes or more often
c. Cramps that feel like a period
d. Pelvic pressure - like baby is pushing down
e. Low, dull backache
f. Excessive vomiting or diarrhea
g. Fever above 100 degrees F
h. Puffy face or fingers
i. Prolonged headache
j. Blurred vision or spots in front of eyes
k. Pain or burning when urinating
l. Baby is moving less than usual
5. Give your baby a full 9 months
a. Don't pressure Dr. to induce labor early
b. 37 weeks is premature
c. One out of every 9 babies is born premature in Utah
d. Baby's brain and lungs are still growing
e. Babies born too early may have more health problems at birth and later in life than babies born full term
SOURCE: abc4
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