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Pre-Natal Care: A Head Start for your Baby

PRE-NATAL CARE: A HEAD START FOR YOUR BABY
Did you know that "babying your baby" actually begins long before your baby is even born?  Keeping your kids healthy starts with taking care of yourself during your pregnancy.  What kind of food should you eat?  Are there foods you should avoid?  When should you see a doctor?  Is sex safe during pregnancy?  What exactly is "morning sickness" and how can you stop it?  Join host Dr. Winnie King and our experts as we take you on a guided tour of how to keep yourself and your baby healthy while you're pregnant.

Guests:

Francine Colon - pregnant with her first baby
Liz Sanchez - pregnant with her first baby
Celina Frigotto - pregnant with her first baby
Lisa Bernstein - Executive Director, What to Expect Foundation
Laura Riley, MD  -- Acting Chief of Obstetrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Asst. Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School; Chair, Practices Committee, American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology; Physician Representative to Division Accreditation of the American College of Nurse Midwives.
Elizabeth Kaledin - Medical Reporter, CBS Evening News; Author of  The Morning Sickness Companion

Tips & Hints:

  • Take folic acid supplements - It may help prevent defects of the brain and spine if taken before conception and in early pregnancy.
  • As soon as you think you are pregnant, call your health care provider to find out when you should come in for your first prenatal care appointment.
  • During your pregnancy, make sure you attend all of your prenatal care appointments, even if you're feeling fine.
  • Weight gain should be between 25 and 35 pounds
  • Eat healthy, balanced diet.
  • Avoid alcohol, drugs, tobacco.


Resources:

For a good place to find out about free prenatal care, call
1-877-K-I-D-S-N-O-W

For information on prenatal care
http://www.marchofdimes.com/
1-888-663-4637

What To Expect Foundation
http://www.whattoexpect.org/

Books:

What to Expect When You're Expecting

Baby Basics