Lifestyles for the Pregnant, Breastfeeding or Postpartum Woman

Smoking, drinking alcohol and abusing drugs during pregnancy can cause many medical problems, including increased risk of premature birth, low birth weight, miscarriage and stillbirth. Some drugs can also cause birth defects and/or mental delays that result in permanent learning difficulties or behavior problems. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a preventable birth defect caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Children exposed to smoke in their environment have more problems with asthma, respiratory and ear infections and are at an increased risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (crib death).  If you smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs, please get help for yourself and your baby.

Cigarette smoke contains many toxic chemicals and is extremely hazardous to your developing baby. Don’t let others smoke around you. If you smoke, quit. If you can’t quit, cut down to five or fewer per day.
 
Street drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, crack and others are dangerous and can cause birth defects, premature birth and even death to your baby. The baby may look normal at birth but may have mental or physical problems later in life as the result of a mother who used drugs during pregnancy. Many over-the-counter and prescription medicines can be harmful to a developing baby. Never use medicines without your health care provider’s advice during pregnancy.

 Kentucky Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program

 Drug and Alcohol Help Line - 1-800-432-9337
 

Early prenatal care is very important. Pregnant women who begin prenatal care in the first three months of their pregnancy have fewer medical problems and their babies are healthier. Your clinic nurse can help you to find a prenatal health care provider. Make an appointment with a clinic, nurse-midwife or physician you trust as soon as possible. Ask questions and be honest with your health care provider. You are not expected to know everything about pregnancy but you are expected to act responsibly and follow your health care provider’s advice. 

More information on the Kentucky Teen Pregnancy Program

Nurse-Midwifery locator phone number - 1-888-643-9433

Folic Acid, one of the B vitamins, can decrease the incidence of birth defects of the spine and brain. All women of childbearing age, especially those planning a pregnancy, should take 400 mcg. of folic acid daily and eat foods high in folic acid. Pregnant women should also increase their dietary intake of folic acid and take a prenatal vitamin with folic acid every day. Some foods high in folic acid include dark green leafy vegetables, beans, liver, orange juice and some cereals.

 March of Dimes Folic Acid information

Nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding is very important for the baby. A well-balanced diet includes eating foods from the bread, fruit, vegetable, dairy and meat/protein groups every day. Eat a variety of foods from each food group with emphasis on lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Your bones and teeth will lose calcium if you don’t get enough in your diet so eat four or five servings of the dairy group (milk, yogurt, cheese) each day. If you are concerned about calories, choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products. It is also advisable to avoid caffeine and artificial sweeteners.

To control weight gain, avoid foods high in calories but low in nutrients such as candy, cake, cookies, soft drinks, chips, French fries and most fast foods. A nurse or nutritionist can counsel you about specific dietary needs and help you make good choices from the foods you like. Ask your health care provider about the WIC program if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a young child.

More information on the Kentucky Women, Infants and Children's (WIC) Program

Special Dietary Guidelines for Teenage Mothers

WIC Information phone number - 1-800-462-6122

Nutrition Hotline phone number - 1-800-366-1655

All women and men need to know about pre-pregnancy health measures long before a pregnancy occurs. Preconception (pre-pregnancy) health care allows the mother-to-be to achieve the best possible health before she gets pregnant so she has the best chance of having a healthy baby. A medical visit for preconception care is recommended and includes a thorough medical history, examination, laboratory screening tests and counseling. This service is available to you through your local health department.

Spacing pregnancies at least two years apart is recommended for the health of the mother and the child. There are many reliable methods of birth control available either at your local health department family planning clinic or your private physician. Women can become pregnant again soon after giving birth even if they are breastfeeding. Discuss contraception options with your health care provider.

 More information on the Birth Control Methods Web Page

 Pregnancy Crisis Centers phone number - 1-800-848-5683

A postpartum examination is necessary for the woman who has recently given birth. Typically this visit takes place between 4-6 weeks postpartum (after delivery) and includes a physical examination and Pap smear. This is also a good time to discuss contraception needs. Both private providers and clinics provide this service.

Postpartum Alerts:  When to call the doctor after delivery

What to expect at your six-week postpartum checkup

Breastfeeding is recommended for the first year of life. The size of a woman’s breasts has nothing to do with her ability to produce milk for her baby. Breast milk is convenient, easily digested and best for the baby. The mother who breastfeeds gives her baby a special gift that formula cannot provide; immunity to many illnesses and prevention of allergies. Lactation consultants specialize in helping breastfeeding mothers. Many health departments have these consultants to help you with any breastfeeding problem or offer advice. The La Leche League is a well-known support group for breastfeeding mothers

 USDA Nutrition During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

 Breastfeeding

 Breastfeeding Resource Guide

Well-child checkups are necessary for your baby during the first year of life. Your health care provider will determine if your baby is developing properly and give the needed immunizations (baby shots) during these visits. If you do not have a private doctor for your baby, the nurse can help arrange for check-ups at the health department.