Pregnancy

See the new FDA video featuring text4baby-a new video for pregnant women and new mothers

Congratulations!

You're going to have a baby! The baby will change your life and the life of your family! While you and your baby's dad are waiting for the big day, take this time to learn about how to take care of yourself and the baby growing inside you during pregnancy and in the months after the baby is born. Although no one can promise you an easy pregnancy and a healthy baby, here are some important things you can do to improve your chances.

Click these links for more information:

• CDC Medications and Pregnancy Web Site - A new Web site from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) includes research-based,
  user-friendly, up-to-date information on use of medications during pregnancy.  The site contains a compilation of key data and scientific publications, and provides an overview of the work CDC and its partners are doing in the area of medications and pregnancy.
• H1N1 flu - What you should know
  • Seasonal and 2009 H1N1 Flu: A Guide for Pregnant Women and Parents
    ( En Español)
• Get early prenatal care - The sooner the better
• Stop drugs, alcohol and tobacco - And here's help to do it!
• Exercise
• Eat healthy
• Know your maternity rights - PDF (plain text version)
• Reduce stress - Stress may cause your baby to be born too small and too soon. Here are some tips for making your pregnancy less stressful
• Consider breastfeeding - Best for baby and best for you
• Get dad involved - Things the baby's father can do to help you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby
• Watch for preterm labor - Know these signs and what to do!
• Prepare for baby's arrival- Things you'll want to do before your baby comes

Pregnant and need information about how to have a healthy baby? Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby is an interactive "talking book" for expectant mothers. It is equipped with audio narration and easy navigation tools for simple access and readability. The pregnancy guide offers information on a variety of topics including prenatal care, what to expect during labor and what your maternity rights are in North Carolina. Make the most of your pregnancy.

Other Links

North Carolina

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Effective Health Care Program: Gestational Diabetes: A Guide for Pregnant Women
  • Consumer Guide - PDF
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Effective Health Care Program:Thinking About Inducing Your Labor: A Guide for Pregnant Women
  • Consumer Guide - PDF

Click here for information about nutrition during and after pregnancy.

National

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Last updated: September 2013