3 Steps to a Healthy Baby
Did you know that the time to think about what you can do to have a healthy baby is before you get pregnant? Following these steps can help improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy.
1). Plan for Prenatal Care
The first step toward a healthy baby is good prenatal care -- that includes a pre-pregnancy checkup and taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid and iron.
2). Review Your Lifestyle
No one would think of giving alcohol, cigarettes, or illegal drugs to an infant, but using any of these during pregnancy means sharing them with the fetus. Any one of these substances alone can cause birth defects and/or preterm labor. Even over-the- counter drugs may be harmful. If you're pregnant -- or trying to conceive -- check with your doctor before taking any medication.
3). Practice Good Dental Hygiene
Many women are surprised to learn that their dental health is important to their baby's health. Research shows a link between periodontal disease and low birthweight.
Reading List
The Pregnancy Diet: A Healthy Weight Control Program for Pregnant Women, by Eileen Behan, R.D. (1999)
The Mother of All Pregnancy Books: The Ultimate Guide to Conception, Birth, and Everything in Between (U.S. Edition), by Ann Douglas (2002)
The Pregnancy Journal: A Day-to-Day Guide to a Healthy and Happy Pregnancy, by A. Christine Harris, Ph.D. (1996)
When Pregnancy Isn't Perfect: A Layperson's Guide to Complications in Pregnancy, by Laurie A. Rich (1996)
The High-Risk Pregnancy Sourcebook, by Denise M. Chism, foreword by Eleanor D. Sabin, M.D. (1998)
When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads: Proven Guidelines for a Healthy Multiple Pregnancy, by Barbara Luke, Sc.D., M.P.H., B.S.N., and Tamara Eberlein (2004)
This article appeared in the September/October 04 issue of the Women's Health Newsletter. Read the issue.
