My Health
Babies born too early or too soon are at risk for lifelong health complications. To learn more, please see our Infant Mortality Awareness flyer.
Congratulations!
Whether you’re a newlywed, a veteran parent, or a single mom, this should be an exciting time for you. This journey will bring many surprises your way. One of the surprises could be an unplanned pregnancy.
Half of the pregnancies in the United States are unplanned, so we want you to have the most current health information to ensure that if you should be "surprised," your baby will still have the best chance of being born healthy.
Now that you're pregnant, here are some things you should know:
- Every woman should take 400 mcg of folic acid daily. This can be done by taking a multi-vitamin that includes the dosage, or by eating a diet rich in green leafy vegetables, peanuts, grains, and citrus.
- Get a check up to be sure you do not have any illnesses you could pass on to your child. Some have no symptoms, but could be dangerous for a baby.
- If you smoke, please quit. Recent studies have shown that even exposure to second hand smoke gives a baby an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and smoking during pregnancy can lead to premature birth and/or low birth weight. Get more information about smoking cessation.
- Eat a nutritionally balanced diet. In our society that can be difficult, but it will help you feel better now and it will benefit you and your baby in many ways. If you need help accessing healthy food, please call 561-629-3491 or visit www.pbcfoodbank.org.
- Be sure to see a doctor as soon as possible. There are many things you will need to know now that can prevent problems in the long run. So keep your appointments and follow doctor's orders. And During your first visit, be sure you have a Healthy Start screening done.
- Please seriously consider breastfeeding. Studies have shown a multitude of positive reasons why this is the best choice for you and your baby, such as: Boosting your child's immune system so he or she can ward off illnesses, bonding benefits, help to contract your uterus, even help to lose those unwanted pregnancy pounds.
For more information and for available classes, please call 1-888-634-7900.
Ask your Medical Professional for the Prenatal Screen
Healthy Start begins at your first prenatal care visit at the doctor’s office and/or at the birthing facility after delivery. Local obstetricians, midwives and hospital staff administer the Healthy Start screening form, which is simply a questionnaire. The purpose of the screen is to identify risks that could affect your pregnancy or your child's first years. The answers you give will determine whether you or your baby qualifies for the special Healthy Start services. Please ask your healthcare provider and/or birthing facility about your free and confidential Healthy Start screening.
Look for the form below and the actual screen at your doctor's office.
Now that you’re pregnant, are you wondering what kind of medical care to expect?
Pregnant women need to see their doctors on as early as possible in the pregnancy, and on a regular basis after that, to make sure they are healthy and their baby is growing normally.Regular prenatal care also helps identify and treat any problems early on, so your baby has the best chance possible of being born healthy.
For more information about prenatal care and doctor’s visits, please visit the March of Dimes website.
For more information about your health and baby’s development, please visit WebMD's Baby section.