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Importance of Prenatal Care

Providing your baby with the best possible chance to survive and thrive begins the moment you suspect you may be pregnant.  Begin early and maintain good prenatal care for you and your unborn baby throughout your pregnancy.  This means: 

• Eat the right foods.
• Take recommended prenatal vitamins.
• Do not smoke.
• Do not use drugs or alcohol.
• Get frequent medical checkups with your doctor or nurse.
• Ask your doctor about tests for Group B Strep prior to delivery.
• Make sure you are familiar with signs of pre-term labor.
• Begin “counting kicks” during your last trimester.
• Consider breastfeeding for the overall health and well being of your baby.
  
  

What else can you do to keep your baby healthy once it’s born? 

• Take your baby for scheduled well baby check-ups.
• Communicate with your healthcare professional about changes in your baby’s behavior and health.
• Follow proper immunization schedules for your baby.  The risk of leaving a baby unprotected is 1,000 greater than any risk posed by using the vaccines.
• Follow the First Candle recommendations on reducing the risk of infant death.