Week 4: Time to think about stopping smoking, drinking and taking drugs that can affect a developing baby.
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Think about your lifestyle and any teratogens (agents that can affect fetal development like smoking, alcohol, stress and drugs) you need to avoid. The March of Dimes website can help you find out about what to avoid and will have resources for help quitting drinking and drug use during pregnancy.
March of Dimes
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Essential fatty acids (Omega 3s) are critically important to your health and the health of a growing the baby. Purified fish oils, nuts, seeds, canola and sunflower oils and dark leafy greens are excellent sources. Aim to get 250 mg each day.
The Mayo Clinic
BirthWatch Recommends:
Great Expectations: Your All-in-One Resource for Pregnancy & Childbirth
This book is comprehensive and certainly has that confidence-inspiring language that prevents anxiety from spinning out of control. Do yourself a favor and throw your old "What to Expect When You're Expecting" book on the barbeque and pick up Great Expectations. It's a better bet.