My pregnancy, my new baby, and my family

Pregnancy and parenthood are times of change and new feelings. Feelings are O.K. It is helpful to be able to share with your children, family and friends, and with your health care provider, how you are feeling. And it is important for you to have their support and understanding during your pregnancy and when you take on the job of a new parent. It is important for your baby, too. A baby needs the love and attention of parents, family and friends to grow and develop in healthy ways. And your baby needs the healthy start only you can give by taking care of your own health and following good health habits during your pregnancy.

First, as soon as you think you may be pregnant, begin regular health care visits called prenatal care. If you do not know where to go to get health care, ask a friend or call your local health department. Help is available. In prenatal care, you will be given help to eat right, exercise and do other things that will be good for your baby. You will be checked to make sure your baby is developing normally. And if they arise, problems will be cared for.

Even if you are feeling great, it is very important for you to get prenatal care as soon as possible. Women who start prenatal care soon after they become pregnant, and continue until they have their baby, usually have fewer problems and healthier babies. It is also very important that you avoid certain things that can harm your baby. Don’t use any tobacco products, don’t drink anything with alcohol, and don’t use any “street” drugs. Don’t take any prescription or other drugs — even an aspirin — before you check with your health care provider.

Regular health care visits for your new baby are also important. Your baby’s health care giver can make sure your baby is growing well, can give good advice for parents, and can protect your baby from a number of childhood illnesses.

If you have a doctor, call now for an appointment. If you do not have a doctor, ask a friend, family member, or your local health department for the name of a health care provider or clinic. There are many kinds of health care professionals who can help you when you are pregnant. They may include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, physician’s assistants, nutritionists, dentists, and social workers. You and your care givers are a team, working to help assure that your baby is born healthy. It is important for you to keep all of your appointments when you are pregnant. Your care givers check your health. They talk with you about how your body is changing, and how your baby is growing. Tell them how you are feeling. Ask them any  questions that you have.

If you have health insurance, find out what expenses your insurance will cover. Also find out how to make sure that your baby will be covered by your health insurance from birth. Your health care giver will need to know the name of your insurance company and your policy number. If you do not have health insurance, you may qualify for Medicaid or other help. Call your local social service agency and local health department to find out. You can find their phone numbers in your local telephone directory under “government listings.” Ask them if you can get help from other programs such as AFDC (Aid to Families with Dependent Children), WIC (Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children), and Food Stamps. Many local  agencies also offer other services. Ask about legal aid, housing assistance, day care, transportation, mental health, visiting nurse, and other counseling. If you work, ask your employer about maternity leave. Talk to your health care giver about the help you need. Call the state pregnancy hotline on page ii of this book to get answers from your state health department.