Note: This information is intended for general education purposes only, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice.

Prenatal Care is the Best Thing You Can Do to Promote a Healthy Pregnancy.
As soon as you have a positive pregnancy test result, make an appointment with a health-care provider—-the sooner you make an appointment, the sooner you will be seen! If you don’t have your own health insurance coverage, contact the Health Department right away to apply for Medical Assistance.

CAUTION—Always Call Your Doctor If...

• You have spotting or bleeding
• You have constant pain
• Your water breaks
• You have symptoms of high blood pressure (swelling in hands/face, blurred vision, dizziness, quick weight gain)
• Your baby does not move every waking hour after your 28th week

Healthy Pregnancy Do’s and Don’ts

• DO get tested for STIs



• DO wear your seat belt (position the lap belt under your abdomen)



• DO get enough sleep (at least 8 to 9 hours each night)



• DO limit caffeine consumption



• DO drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day



• DO avoid sugar-free products made with saccharin and aspartame



• DO take prenatal vitamins daily. Key nutrients during pregnancy include:
  • Folic acid
  • Iron
  • Calcium
  • Zinc
  • Omega-3 fatty acids


• DO eat protein at every meal. Good sources of protein include:
  • Meat (especially chicken, turkey, lean beef and fish*)
  • Peanut butter
  • Yogurt
  • Cheese
  • Beans
  • Eggs
  • Tofu
  • Whole grains
  
  
  *Certain kinds of fish should be avoided or only consumed in limited quantities during pregnancy; check with your doctor.


• DON’T smoke, use tobacco products, or drink alcoholic beverages



• DON’T use any medications (including over-the-counter ones) unless approved by your health-care provider



• DON’T sit in a hot tub or sauna



• DON’T use an electric blanket

Moderate weight gain (20-30lbs.) is recommended for a healthy pregnancy. Sources of healthy “pregnancy weight” include:

• Baby (6 to 8 lbs.)
• Placenta (1 to 2 lbs.)
• Increased fluid volume (2 to 3 lbs.)
• Increased blood volume (3 to 4 lbs.)
• Amniotic fluid (2 lbs.)
• Enlarged uterus (2 lbs.)
• Enlarged breasts (1 to 2 lbs.)
• Stored fat and protein (6 to 8 lbs.)

Great exercises for pregnant women include brisk walking, swimming and stationary cycling. Exercise cautions include:

• Avoid getting overheated—especially in the first trimester
• Do not exceed 60 percent of your maximum heart rate (about 140 beats per minute)
• Stop BEFORE you are exhausted
• Avoid hazardous sports such as speed cycling, horseback riding, surfing and skiing after the 4th month
• Don’t start NEW vigorous activities (such as running) that you weren’t already doing regularly before you became pregnant
• Avoid heavy lifting—no more than 25-lb. weights

Hazardous Substances to Avoid During Pregnancy:

• Oil-based paints, lacquers and wood-finishing products
• Gases and fumes
• Industrial and household cleaners
• Chemicals and solvents
• X-rays (unless indicated by your physician)

*Adapted from Healthy Pregnancy, 2003 Focus on the Family.