St. Mary's County

Printer-Friendly Template
Email This Page to a Friend

Parents Guide

Parents Guide
The Beginning Years
Pregnancy
Birth
Being a Parent
Breastfeeding
More About Feeding Your Baby
Caring for Your Infant
As Your Baby Grows
Child Safety
Toddlers
Feeding Toddlers and Young Children
Helping Your Child Learn
Learning to Use the Toilet
If Your Child Has a Disability or Special Need
Preschoolers
Choosing Child Care
Parenting as Your Child Grows
Parenting and Your Family's Well Being
Resources in the Guide

Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time of change. You will change physically and emotionally, and the day-to-day life of your family will also change. Research shows that the more you are cared for during pregnancy, the better you can care for your newborn. Don’t hesitate to ask for help and accept it when it is offered.
Having a healthy pregnancy can help you have a healthy baby. Eat a nutritious diet, stay active and get plenty of rest. Avoid smoking, alcohol and drugs. And start getting regular checkups as soon as you are pregnant or want to be pregnant.
Exercise and Relaxation
Exercise and Relaxation
Stay active, but also take time to sit quietly. Exercise and relaxation can help you feel good throughout your pregnancy.

Dental Care
Your teeth and gums need extra care during pregnancy. Women with gum disease are more likely to have a premature baby. So visit your dentist for checkups and brush and floss often. And take prenatal vitamins—the calcium is good for your teeth.

Time to Quit
Smoking, drinking or using drugs can cause babies to be born premature or with serious problems. Many women who’ve wanted to quit find that now they can. If you need help to stop, don’t hesitate to ask for it. The sooner you stop the better, but whenever you stop, you will help your baby.

 
Things You Can Do
Where to Find Help
Learn More
Pregancy
Food and Nutrition
The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program offers classes and counseling on nutrition and breastfeeding, both before and after the birth. It also helps you get healthy food. To see if you qualify, call your county Health Department or WIC Works. Visit
www.wicworks.ca.gov
 

Prenatal Care
Madison shares in the wonder of her mother’s pregnancy.

Prenatal Care
You may be able to get free or low-cost prenatal care. Ask about Emergency Medi-Cal. Call your county Health Department or BabyCal.
For low-cost health insurance for pregnant women with low or middle incomes, call AIM Program.
When you visit the doctor, tell her all the medications or supplements you take.
 
powered by Trilogy Integrated Resources LLC © 2009