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(Disclaimer) The following radio novella is a production of the North Carolina Healthy Start Foundation and WNCU. Its reproduction without expressed permission from its authors is strictly prohibited. The health information presented in this program in no way substitutes the advice of a physician. For more information, call your doctor or dial 1-800-367-2229.

Music fades in and out

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Opening Narrator: In the previous episode of To Love is to Learn, Sofía del Castillo has a frightening experience when she confuses her bad headache with the signs of going into premature labor. Luckily, her cousin Ana María calls the doctor on her behalf and confirms there’s nothing wrong with the pregnancy. In today’s episode, Ana María invites Sofía and Javier to her husband Guillermo’s workplace Christmas party.

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Ana María

(SIPPING) Yummm...this punch is delicious. It’s been years since I’ve had a punch made with cane and guava. Do you like yours, Sofía?

Latino Christmas music in

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Sofía

Of course, Ana María, but I think it’s lacking a bit of alcohol. Don’t you think?

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Ana María

No, you can’t have any alcohol because you’re pregnant!

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Sofía

I know, but a tiny bit during a special occasion won’t hurt.

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Ana María

Not to you, but it will to your baby. Your baby is still developing and what seems like a little to you can actually be too much for him or her and prove harmful.

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Sofía

You don’t say. Not even a small glass?

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Ana María

Of course, not. The doctors say that no amount of alcohol is safe during a pregnancy and I imagine you don’t want your baby to be born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

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Sofía

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome? What is that, Ana María? I’ve never heard anything about it.

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Ana María

I see that. But it’s important to know that women shouldn’t drink alcohol during their pregnancy, as it can cause permanent damage to the child.

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Sofía

So what can happen to the baby?

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Ana María

They can be born prematurely with health problems, have trouble eating, sleeping, have problems with their hearing or vision, and can even have learning and behavioral issues.

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Sofía

Wow. I didn’t know that alcohol could be so detrimental during the pregnancy.

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Ana María

That’s right, Sofía. Drugs, along with any alcoholic beverage such as beer, wine, and mixed cocktails with juice or soda can do irreversible damage to the baby.  

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Sofía

How scary! I better not add any alcohol to my punch. Cheers cousin!

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Ana María

That’s what I like to hear. You’re thinking about the health of your child. To love is to learn, in this case, about the health of your baby.

Glass click
Music fades out

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Transition

Transition

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Sofía

Ana María, look at Guillermo dancing there.

Dance music in

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Ana María

I see him. And he’s dancing with Laura.

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Don’t tell me that’s the infamous Laura. How dare she!

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Ana María

Sofía, don’t start putting things in my head. Let’s wait and see what she does now that I saw them.

Dance music end

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Guillermo

[GUILLERMO WALKS TOWARDS THEM]  Where were you girls? I was looking for you all.

Steps

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Ana María

We went to the kitchen for some punch.

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Guillermo

And you didn’t bring me any? You’re so bad...

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Sofía

(CLEARING HER THROAT) Ejem, ejem! Aren’t you going to introduce us to the young lady, Guillermo?

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Guillermo

Oh yes. Pardon me. This is Laura, the company receptionist.

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Laura

Good to meet you.

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Sofía

The pleasure is all ours, right Ana María?

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Ana María

Yes. I had already met you the other day when I stopped by Guillermo’s office.

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Guillermo

That’s right. Laura is an excellent co-worker and she’s helped me out a lot at work. Hmm, excuse me one moment. I’ll leave you all for a bit while I go help out the boss bringing down those heavy boxes.

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 Sofía

Of course.

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Laura

Well, good to meet you. Excuse me while I go to the ladies’ room.

Steps

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Sofía

Sure. No problem. A-ha. So this is the notorious Laura...well Guillermo is too old for her.

Steps

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Ana María

Oh stop that, Sofía. You don’t know what you’re saying. I think you’re imagining things...I’ve told you that I trust Guillermo very much.

Music starts  

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Sofía

Don’t get upset. I’m only telling you what my suspicions are.

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Ana María

Look, you know what? Why don’t we step outside for some fresh air. The man next to me just lit up a cigarette and the smoke is harmful to you and the baby. It’s as bad as smoking.

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Sofía 

Don’t get so worked up. I’m not smoking. I already know that cigarettes are terrible for pregnant women and when a pregnant woman smokes, she passes all those chemicals on to her baby. That can affect the baby’s growth and cause low birth weight. (dialogue fades)

Music / dialogue fades out

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Transition

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Javier

Did you have fun, my love?

Car / driving

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Sofía

Of course, Javier! Although I still wish I could have had some punch with a bit of liquor.

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Javier

Hmm. That’s odd. You hardly drink. Why were you so interested in some?

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Sofía

Oh Javier, with all the stress of the pregnancy and all the holiday parties, I thought a little cup would help me relax and be harmless. But Ana María explained that even a small amount of alcohol when you’re pregnant can be very harmful to the baby. So I didn’t drink any.

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Javier

Well, I’m glad that Ana María is there to teach you...but you did say you were stressed out. What’s on your mind?

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Sofía

Oh, Javier. With all the physical discomforts of the pregnancy, I can’t even think straight about how we’re going to adapt to all the new changes in our life with the baby. It scares me a bit.

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Javier

Don’t be afraid, honey. Everything is going to be fine; we’ll both handle everything ok.

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Sofía

I’m also worried about the delivery.

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Javier

Everything will be just fine. You know, Guillermo mentioned some classes that we can take to better prepare for the birth and to learn how to help you.

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Sofía

Yes. The doctor also mentioned those classes to me. I think it’s a good idea to register for them...now that we’re getting closer to the due date.

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Javier

Perfect. I just don’t want you to worry. Stress can be bad for our baby and cause an early delivery. So just tell me what I can do to help you be more relaxed and rested.

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Sofía

Thanks for thinking of me, Javier! But during these past months, I have felt so tired and it’s been tough to relax.

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Javier

Well when we get home, I’ll give you a massage and from now on I’ll go to the supermarket so you don’t have to do any heavy lifting.

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Sofía

That’s so nice of you...hey, and changing the subject--did Guillermo introduce you to a co-worker of his named Laura?

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Javier

Yes, a young lady who was real charming.

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Sofía

Charming? I think she’s a conniving woman looking to hit on my cousin’s husband.

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Javier

What? Sofía, you’re crazy. You don’t know what you’re talking about. Why don’t you get some sleep on our drive home. Conniving...please!

Car fades out

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Narrador

Don’t miss our next and last episode of To Love is To Learn. Find out what happens when Javier and Sofía’s baby is born and how Ana María uncovers the true intentions of the sneaky Laura.

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For more information on the risks that alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, and stress can pose during a pregnancy, call the call the Family Health Resource Line of North Carolina at 1-800-367-2229.