Tips for Being Healthy While You are Pregnant

• See a doctor or clinic as soon as you think you are pregnant.
• Keep all prenatal appointments with your doctor or health care provider.
• Take your prenatal vitamins with folic acid, as directed by your doctor or health care provider.
• Don’t smoke, drink alcohol or use street drugs; they can hurt you and your baby.
• Exercise regularly.
• Wear a seatbelt.
• Don’t take any medicine, even an aspirin, without asking your doctor if it is safe.
• Read the label for directions and warnings before you use paint, bug spray, cleaner or other chemicals.
• Tell your doctor and your dentist that you are pregnant before your get any X-rays.

You may need to eat smaller meals and more often during the day. It is important to gain some weight while you are pregnant. Talk to your doctor about how much weight you should gain.

Remember:

• Follow your doctor's medical advice.
• Work with your doctor to choose a hospital before your baby is born.
• Choose a doctor or clinic for your baby. Call your doctor or clinic to make sure they will see your baby. The doctor or clinic will usually want to see your baby two weeks after the baby is born.
• Make an appointment for your postpartum visit after you deliver your baby. Voluntary family planning services will help to space your next pregnancy so you have a healthy birth.