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:
This is the one book I wish every woman would read before she gets too far into her prenatal appointments. This book takes you through the algorithmic thinking of doctors and shows you how it helps your doctor BE a better doctor if you ask lots of open-ended questions about your care, in particular tests, procedures and medical interventions. Remember, informed consent is your right, but YOU must ask for it.