Women's Health
Getting Ready
If you are planning to have a baby soon, we know you want
to have the healthiest baby possible. Although no one can
promise you an easy pregnancy and a healthy baby, here are
some important things you can do to improve your chances.
Click these links for more information.
Eat Healthy & Get Folic Acid
- Before you get pregnant, it is important to be a healthy
weight. Being overweight or underweight can affect your
pregnancy.
 Find
your recommended body weight.
- Eat a balanced diet before getting pregnant
- Take a multivitamin with 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic
acid every day. Vitamins and minerals, especially folic
acid, may decrease the risk of serious birth defects
in your baby if you get pregnant.
Kick Bad Habits
- Changing any unhealthy habits that you and your partner
have before you have a baby, gives your baby the best possible
start
- You should be tobacco, alcohol and drug-free before trying
to become pregnant to avoid unnecessary risks for your
baby
- Try to avoid exposure to medicine (even prescription
and over-the-counter medicine), lead, chemicals and diseases
like measles, chickenpox, and influenza before you get
pregnant
Reduce Stress
Many things can be stressful in a woman's life. Think about
what causes stress for you. What would help reduce the stress
or help you deal with it? If your
partner is hurting you - physically or emotionally -
find someone to talk to and learn
how you can be safer.
Learn Your Medical History
Know your family's medical history. Now is a good time
to learn your partner's family medical history as well. If
there are diseases that run in either of your families, your
healthcare provider might recommend genetic counseling or
tests that could provide valuable information regarding a
future pregnancy.
Have a Check-Up and Get in Shape
Before you get pregnant, have a physical exam to evaluate
your overall health. This is particularly true if you have
diabetes, high blood pressure or other chronic diseases.
These and other medical conditions should be well-controlled
before you get pregnant.
Women who are physically fit before they become pregnant
usually tolerate pregnancy and delivery better. Walking is
a great way to exercise and can be done anywhere, for any
amount of time.
Be Smart. Be Ready.
The NC Medicaid Family Planning Waiver, also
know as "Be Smart", makes free family planning services available
to eligible men and women in North Carolina.
Other Links
North Carolina
NC
Family Health Resource Line
Information and Support Within
Your Reach
|
Find out more about ,
NC Family Health Resource Line
or call
Monday - Friday
8 A.M. - 5 P.M.
closed holidays
TTY for the hearing impaired:
1-800-976-1922
Services in English
and Spanish
|
Information about nutrition during and after
pregnancy.
Information about free or low-cost children's
health insurance.
Back to top
Last updated November 2007
|
