Pregnancy

Staying healthy during pregnancy helps give your baby a healthy start in life.

Prenatal Doctor Visits

The number of scheduled appointments you'll have depends on your medical history. Factors such as high blood pressure may warrant more frequent checkups. The goal of prenatal visits is to see how your pregnancy is developing and to provide you with information to help keep you and your baby healthy. It's important that you go to all of your prenatal appointments, even if you're feeling fine.

Smoking

Most people know that smoking causes cancer, heart disease, and other major health problems. Smoking during pregnancy causes additional health problems, including premature birth, certain birth defects, and infant death. Smoking during pregnancy is the single most preventable cause of illness and death among mothers and infants. Learn more about the dangers of smoking and find help to quit.

Vaccinations

Vaccination is especially important in pregnant women because antibodies can be passed to the fetus, providing the newborn with critical protection during the first months of life. Talk to your doctor about recommended vaccines as part of a healthy pregnancy.

Medications

Taking certain medications during pregnancy might cause serious birth defects for your baby. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any medications you are taking. These include prescription and over-the-counter medications and dietary or herbal supplements.

For more information: www.cdc.gov/pregnancy