How to Have a Healthy Baby
Download the printable "How to Have a Healthy Baby" PDF
These lessons on having a healthy baby were learned from a close review of the causes of infant death in four separate regions of Indiana.
- Know the signs of preterm labor and what to do about it.
Contact your health care provider immediately if you have:- Contractions every 10 minutes, or more than five contractions in one hour
- Backache that does not go away after resting on your side
- Changes in vaginal discharge
- Pelvic pressure that feels like the baby is pushing down inside
- Menstrual-like cramps
- Abdominal cramps and diarrhea
- Don't smoke while you are pregnant.
- It's best to stop smoking before you are pregnant. If you can't stop, cut down.
- Try to stay in smoke-free places. Don't let people smoke around your baby.
- Call the Family HelpLine (1.800.433.0746) to find out about programs to help you stop smoking.
- Start prenatal care as soon as you find out that you are pregnant.
- See a health care provider as soon as you think you are pregnant. This will allow you to find any problems early.
- Even better, talk to your health care provider before you become pregnant. It is important to take folic acid before pregnancy begins.
- Pay attention to when the baby moves inside your body.
- If the baby's movements seem to slow down, call your health care provider.
- Your health care provider may ask you to do "kick counts." One example is: At a regular time each day, lie down on your left side. Keep track of how long it takes to feel the baby move 10 times. If you count less than 10 movements in two hours, call your health care provider.
- Eat well and gain 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy.
- If you don't gain enough weight, your baby may not gain enough weight.
- Eating for two from the five food groups (milk, meat, fruits, vegetables and grains) will make both you and your baby stronger.
- Put your baby on his/her back to sleep.
- You can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by placing your baby on his or her back while sleeping.
- Don't allow smoking around the baby.
- Don't sleep with your baby.
- Your baby should sleep on a firm mattress. Nothing should be in the crib; no pillows, blankets or stuffed animals.
- Avoid overheating. Don't tightly wrap or overdress your baby, especially when sick. You can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by placing your baby on its back while sleeping.
If you have questions or need help before, during or after pregnancy, please contact the Indiana Family HelpLine at 800.433.0746.
