ɶɶ YourɶPregnancyɶGuide

©ɶ2012ɶStartɶSmartɶforɶYourɶBaby.ɶAllɶrightsɶreserved.

❘ 4 ❘ Start Smart Pregnancy Book

ɶ Start Smart Pregnancy Book

Congratulations! You are going to have a baby! Having a baby is a special privilege. It is the beginning of the strongest of all bonds—the bond between a parent and child.

Both first-time moms and women who already have children will want to read this booklet. Learn how you can give your baby a healthy start in life by taking care of yourself while you are pregnant. See how your baby is growing each month. Find out tried and true

tips to manage morning sickness from other moms-to-be like you. Read about needed tests and times you’ll want to visit the doctor.

Some people read this booklet cover to cover. Others turn to the section they want to know more about. Glance at the What’s Inside section to guide you to each topic.

Also, be sure to share this booklet with your friends and family as you enter an exciting new journey—the birth of your baby.

For more information on prenatal care, visit us at www.startsmartforyourbaby.com

What’s Inside ❘ 1 ❘

Your First OB Visit .................................................2

Your Case Manager Can Help You Stay Healthy ...............................3

Prenatal Testing .....................................................4

Body Basics— Your Reproductive System .................................8

A Peek Inside Your Body .....................................9

Watching Your Baby Grow Each Month .......................................................10

How Your Body Changes ...................................12

Keeping Your Growing Baby Safe .....................14

Quit Smoking—Good for Your Baby! ................15

Protect Your Baby from Other Dangers ............15

Take Steps to Lower Stress .................................17

Staying Physically Active .....................................18

Eating Well for Baby and You ............................19

Taking Vitamins ...................................................23

Get the Facts on Folate .......................................24

Feeling Good While You are Pregnant ..............26

When Things Go Wrong .....................................30

Preterm Labor— What You Need to Know .................................31

If You Have Bleeding in Early Pregnancy ............................................33

When a Miscarriage Happens .............................34

Bladder and Kidney Infections— Your Questions Answered ...............................35

Diabetes During Pregnancy ................................37

PIH—High Blood Pressure When You Are Pregnant ..................................38

Taking Care of Your Emotions ...........................40

Getting Ready for the Big Day ...........................41

Childbirth and Parenting Classes ........................41

Taking Care of Older Children ...........................43

Choosing Your Baby’s Doctor ............................43

Getting Ready for the Hospital ...........................43

The Big Day Is Here!— Labor and Delivery ...........................................46

3 Stages of Childbirth ..........................................49

Induced Labor ......................................................49

Managing Pain During Delivery .........................50

Having a C-Section ..............................................52

Your Recovery— Bouncing Back After Childbirth .......................53

When the Baby Blues Last— Postpartum Depression ....................................55

Breast Milk or Formula? ......................................56

Baby’s Doctor Visits .............................................60

Will You Have Your Baby Boy Circumcised? ....................................60

Keep Your Baby Safe ..........................................60

Going Home From the Hospital ....................... 62

Seeing Your OB After You Give Birth ..................................................63

Think About Baby Names...................................67

ɶ What’s Inside: