Here are some of the most common Prenatal Topics & Question Prenatal UltrasoundUsing sound waves, an ultrasound can give you and your health care provider a "window into the womb." Ultrasound can be used to determine the child's age, to scan for abnormalities, and even to determine the baby's gender. Studies have shown that an ultrasound is completely safe for your baby. The health care provider or ultrasound technician places a transducer on the abdomen or in the vagina, and an outline of the baby appears on the screen. It takes a trained eye to properly interpret the images, but usually you can spot the heartbeat and larger features as the pregnancy progresses. You may even watch your baby sucking his or her thumb! In most cases you will receive a print-out of the ultrasound -- your first baby picture! back to top
Pregnancy and Alcohol ConsumptionIf you've just learned that you're pregnant, but have had a few drinks recently, you don't need to be overly concerned about your baby. It's never too late to improve your child's chances at good health by cutting down on your drinking, or safer still, by not drinking at all. A pregnant woman who frequently drinks heavily is more likely to give birth to a child with a specific condition known as fetal alcohol syndrome, or FAS. FAS includes a number of problems such as growth retardation, mental disorders, an abnormally small head or other facial and skeletal abnormalities, and malformations of the heart. Any woman who can't stop drinking should discuss the problem with her doctor or another medical professional, to ensure she gets the support she needs to abstain. Read the Surgeon General's statement on drinking while pregnant.
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Pregnancy and Drug UseWhen a pregnant woman uses drugs, she and her unborn child face serious health problems. During pregnancy, the drugs used by the mother can enter the baby's bloodstream. The most serious effects on the baby can be HIV infection, prematurity, low birth weight, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), small head size, stunted growth, poor motor skills, and behavior problems. A mother's continuing drug use puts her children at risk for neglect, physical abuse, and malnutrition. However, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) research shows that care and treatment for the pregnant drug abuser can reduce many of the negative effects on the baby. If you are pregnant call our center at (408) 978-9310 for a referral to a local treatment program. Nationwide, call the free National Drug Information Treatment and Referral Line. 1-800-662-HELP or 1-800-66-AYUDA. Women who get treatment can rebuild their lives. Additional resources: (Note, by clicking these links you will be leaving the RO website to view other sites not affiliated with RO)
Pregnancy and HIV/AIDSThe best way to keep yourself and your baby healthy is to avoid getting HIV in the first place. Risky behaviors, like drug use (i.e sharing needles, or swallowing or inhaling any drug which causes one to have decreased inhibitions), having sex with a partner who uses drugs or who has sex with other men, and prostitution can put a woman and her baby at risk for HIV/AIDS, drug addiction, and other diseases. A latex or slicone condom can help reduce the risk, but the best solution is to simply not have sex with someone if there's a chance he/she could be HIV positive. The good news is a pregnant, HIV+ woman will not usually pass the disease onto her child. There is a 75% chance that the child will be completely unaffected if the HIV+ mother does nothing. The odds of having an uninfected child are less than 10% if the mother is treated with ZDV (zidovudine) during the pregnancy and less than 2% if medications are continued for the baby after birth. For this reason it is recommended that all pregnant women obtain a HIV test as soon as pregnancy is discovered. Because the child takes on the mother's immune system, the infant will have HIV antibodies, subsequently testing positive after birth. Not until the child is eighteen months old can it be known for certain whether or not he or she is actually infected with the AIDS virus. Children who are HIV+ have additional health needs as well as psychosocial needs compared to other children, but resources are available to help both you and your child lead as normal a life as possible:
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Pregnancy and SmokingCigarette smoking during pregnancy can cause serious health problems to an unborn child. Smoking during pregnancy has been linked to miscarriage, premature labor, low birth weight, breathing problems including increased colds, bronchitis and asthma, SIDS, and stillbirth. Reducing frequency of smoking may not benefit the baby. A pregnant woman who reduces her smoking pattern or switches to lower tar cigarettes may inhale more deeply or take more puffs to get the same amount of nicotine as before. The most effective way to protect the fetus is to quit smoking. If a woman plans to conceive a child in the near future, quitting is essential. A woman who quits within the first three or four months of pregnancy can lower the chances of her baby being born premature or with health problems related to smoking. Pregnancy is a great time for a woman to quit. No matter how long she has been smoking, her body benefits from her quitting because it lessens her chances of developing future tobacco-related health problems, such as lung and heart disease, and cancer. Click here for the CDC's statement on Pregnancy & Smoking (Note, by clicking this link you will be leaving the RO website to view other sites not affiliated with RO)
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Eating Healthy During PregnancyBe sure to select wholesome foods from each of the four food groups to ensure that you get enough of the proper nutrients. Fruits 2 cups every day: 1 portion - 1 cup raw or cooked, 1 cup juice, 1/2 cup dried fruit. Vegetables 2.5 cups every day: 1 portion = 1 cup raw or cooked, 1 cup juice, 2 cups leafy greens. Breads and Cereals 6 ounces every day: 1 portion = 1 ounce = 1 slice bread, 1 cup dry cereal, or 1/2 cup rice, pasta or cooked cereal. Meat, Eggs, and Beans 5.5 ounces every day. 1 portion = 2-3 ounces meat, fish or pultry, 1 ounce = 1 tablespoon peanut butter, 1/2 ounce nuts, 1/4 cup dried beans, 1 egg. Milk & Milk Products 3 cups every day; 1 portion = 1 cup of milk or yogurt, 1.5 ounces hard cheeseIf you can't tolerate dairy products, you might take calcium supplements or Tums; ask your health care provider for a list of alternate foods that are rich in calcium. Water helps you digest foods and flush waste products out of the body. Drink 8 glasses each day.
US Dept of Health and Human Services: Women's Health--Pregnancy (Note, by clicking this link you will be leaving the RO website to view other sites not affiliated with RO) back to top
Body Changes - Weight GainYour health care provider will let you know how much weight gain is appropriate at different stages of pregnancy. Total weight gain should be 25 to 30 pounds. If you're underweight, you might try to gain a little more. Please constult with your healthcare provider to determine your healthy weight during pregnancy.
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What to AvoidAlcohol The U.S. Surgeon General, along with many other medical authorities, advises that pregnant women avoid alcohol, which is known to cause birth defects and other problems. Consistent alcohol use during pregnancy can cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in your baby, a permanent condition marked by lifelong mental and behavioral problems. Refraining from alcohol in early pregnancy is most important, as that is when the baby's organs are forming. If you have a problem with alcohol, contact our center for a referral for help. You owe it to your baby and yourself. Cigarettes If you smoke, quit now. If you are unable to stop on your own, ask your health care provider about strategies for quitting. Low birth weight, premature birth, miscarriage, and other complications are linked to cigarette smoking. Nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict so that less oxygen and nourishment reaches the baby. Caffeine It's a good idea to cut back on your caffeine consumption when pregnant. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, colas, and other products. Be sure to discuss with your health care provider how much caffeine, if any, you are permitted. Medications Many over-the-counter (OTC) and prescribed medications can harm your unborn child. Immediately discuss with your health care provider all medications you are taking. Your obstetrician will give you a list of which OTC's are safe during pregnancy. If you have any questions about a specific drug you can also call our center to find out which pregnancy category (A, B, C, D, or X -- where A is the safest) your medication falls under. Drugs & Narcotics Street drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine or crack, and heroine can deprive developing babies of vital oxygen and nourishment and can cause babies to be born with addictions and/or birth defects. These are preventable situations. If you are taking drugs and cannot stop, contact our center; we can refer you to a place where you can get help for yourself and your baby. Other Items to Avoid raw or not well-cooked meat and soft cheeses which can cause listeriosis. Also avoid contact with cat's feces, which can lead to toxoplasmosis infection. Avoid hot tubs, saunas, or exposure to illness that could cause a fever. Exercise moderately, but never to the point where your temperature becomes elevated. Avoid exposure to sexually transmitted disease. (Note, by clicking these links you will be leaving the CPC website to view other sites not affiliated with CPC)
Exercise & PregnancyNot so long ago, pregnant women were told to stay at home and refrain from exercise. No longer. We know now that regular exercise is especially good during your pregnancy for both you and your baby. Exercise promotes a feeling of wellbeing, relieves stress, and improves coordination. It also tones and strengthens the muscles, facilitating an easier labor, and lessens some of the discomforts of pregnancy. Here are a few safe ways to exercise, but before you start any exercise in pregnancy, please discuss it with your health care provider first. Swimming is an excellent way to maintain physical fitness during pregnancy, and also a great way to stay cool if you are pregnant during the summer months. All standard swimming strokes can be used. Ideal water temperature is 80 degrees F (27c), and an uncrowded pool will ensure that you are not bumped or kicked. For safety, don't swim alone. Walking is one of the most convenient and economical ways to exercise. You can walk almost anywhere and anytime, and all you need are comfortable clothes and good walking shoes. (You may need to get a new pair of walking shoes as feet tend to grow during pregnancy!) When you build up to walking one mile a day at a brisk, comfortable pace it should take you about twenty minutes. You should not be walking so hard that you have trouble breathing or are unable to carry on a conversation while you walk. Other Exercise Both aerobics and stretching programs have been developed especially for pregnant women. You can participate in a program that is safe and fun, while at the same time reaping the benefits of a more rigorous exercise routine. Don't Overdo It . . . - Exercise regularly, but avoid getting tired.
- Do warm-up and cool-down exercises or gentle stretching before and after vigorous exercise.
- Limit brisk exercise in hot, humid weather. In the summer, seek out an air-conditioned facility.
- Do not exercise if you are not feeling well or have a fever.
- Avoid exercises that make you overextend your muscles or lie on your back for long periods.
- Avoid deep knee bends, full sit-ups, double leg raises, and touching your toes.
- Avoid high-impact aerobics as these are hard on the joints.
- Stop if you feel nauseated, dizzy, short of breath, or if you develop a headache or abdominal pain.
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Wear a supportive bra.
For more information:
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Other Common ConcernsWorking Outside the Home Like many women, you may decide to continue working during your pregnancy -- and return to work shortly after giving birth. Depending on the nature of your job, you may decide to work through the majority of your pregnancy. Talk to your health care provider if you have concerns. Consider and discuss the following conditions you may be facing in the workplace: - Do you work around chemicals, gas, dust, fumes, or radiation?
- Do you lift heavy loads, work at heights, or use dangerous machinery?
- Do you sit or stand for most of the day?
- How far is your work from your home? Will you feel up to a long commute?
- How stressful is your job?
- What are your employer's policies on pregnancy and maternity leave?
- What are your additional responsibilities at home?
Some women will not have the luxury of these considerations. If you are going to be a single parent or need two incomes to make ends meet, you will have to work during pregnancy regardless. If your employer treats you unfairly because of your condition, call our center at (408) 978-9310 for a referral to an attorney. In the state of California it's illegal to discriminate on the basis of pregnancy. Click here for more information (Note, by clicking these links you will be leaving the CPC website to view other sites not affiliated with CPC) Family Involvement Children of most ages are aware that changes are happening in the family. If you have children it is important for them to understand what is going on. Try to involve them in discussions about the baby on the way. It helps to use books with pictures to aid in their understanding of pregnancy, childbirth, and the development of the unborn child. Be observant of how they react to the news of the new baby. Let them know ahead of time who will be taking care of them while you are in the hospital. Traveling You should be able to travel easily during pregnancy if a few precautions are taken. If you are going on a long bus or car trip, plan to stop every one to two hours to get up and walk. This will reduce leg cramps and swelling that can be associated with late pregnancy. When going on a plane or train, ask for an aisle seat. Commercial airlines usually allow women to travel up to the 36th week of pregnancy, with a note from a health care provider. Avoid traveling in private planes above 9000 feet in altitude, as they are often unpressurized. Ask your health care provider for a copy of your medical records to take on extended trips during the late stages of pregnancy. Make sure to wear your seatbelt every time. When you do, put the lap belt below your abdomen and place the shoulder belt between your breasts. Tighten both so that they are as snug as possible while still being comfortable. Sex During Pregnancy Many couples continue to have sex during pregnancy. However, your mutual interest in lovemaking will probably vary throughout your pregnancy. Find time to talk about your sexual feelings. If you are married, there is no reason for you and your husband to stop having sex as long as you are comfortable and have no bleeding or cramps. However, you may need to find different positions for lovemaking to reduce the pressure on your back. Adapted from "Your Pregnancy: A Month-by-Month Guide to Care," Ross, Columbus, Ohio, 91995. Other Resources websites and books: - www.safefetus.com
- www.whattoexpect.com
- The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth by Sheila Kitzinger
- What to Expect When You're Expecting Revised by Arlene Eisenberg, et al
- What to Eat When You're Expecting Arlene Eisenberg, et al
- The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League.
- The Birth Book: Everything You Need to Know to Have a Safe and Satisfying Birth by William and Martha Sears
- Elisabeth Bing's Guide to Moving Through Pregnancy by Elisabeth Bing, Jill Strickman, and Sheila Kitzinger
- A Child Is Born by Lennart Nilsson
- The Miracle of Life by Nova (video)
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