ABCs of a Healthy Pregnancy

By Mitzi Krockover, M.D.

Your baby's health concerns start before you ever become pregnant. You can make good choices during pregnancy by:

• Giving up smoking and alcoholic beverages.
• Avoiding any drugs unless prescribed by your doctor, including vitamins and over-the-counter cold or heartburn remedies.
• Eating more foods with folic acid, such as spinach, oranges and fortified cereals. You should get at least 400 micrograms of folic acid a day, either through your diet or supplements.

If you think you might be pregnant, see your primary care physician for a referral to an obstetrician.

Once you are pregnant, keeping a sense of balance will help you and your baby.

Eat a balanced diet. Drink six to eight glasses of water a day, increase your calcium intake and take your prenatal vitamins. Expect to gain an average of 25 to 35 pounds while pregnant.

Balance regular exercise with enough rest. Talk to your doctor before beginning any new exercise program.

Some Humana plans offer a prenatal program; call the customer service number on the back of your member ID card to see if a program is available in your area.

Keep all of your prenatal care appointments. Ask your doctor if you have any specific concerns.

Avoid exposure to substances such as smoke and alcohol; they can harm your baby's health.

As the baby's birth draws closer, you may feel some cramping and back pain. Signs of labor include fluid leakage or vaginal discharge; vaginal bleeding; contractions; and backaches. If you think you are going into labor, notify your doctor right away.

Your prenatal checkups are important, but so are the checkups after your baby is born. Four to six weeks after your child's birth, your obstetrician will ask you to come in for a follow-up appointment. The doctor will examine you to make sure your body is healing normally

These ABCs spell health for you and your baby!