Info for your patients

• The March of Dimes provides health information for families.
• Our Web site provides info on pregnancy and baby care.
• Our prenatal curriculum is called Becoming a Mom.

For all women
Take a multivitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid every day and eat healthy foods. Folic acid may protect babies against birth defects and may protect women against heart disease, cervical and colon cancer and possibly breast cancer.

For the woman who is trying to get pregnant

• Take a multivitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid every day and eat healthy foods. Folic acid may protect babies against birth defects and may protect women against heart disease, cervical and colon cancer and possibly breast cancer.
• Go for a pre-pregnancy checkup.
• Don't smoke, drink alcohol, or use street drugs.
• Eat healthy foods, maintain a healthy weight and exercise.
• Keep your environment safe.
• Avoid infections and stress.
• Seek prenatal care as soon as you think you may be pregnant.

To learn more about preconception, visit Folic acid, Get ready for pregnancy and Trying to get pregnant.

For the pregnant woman

• Seek early and regular prenatal care as soon as you think you may be pregnant.
• Find out how much weight you should gain during pregnancy. 
• Never try to lose weight during pregnancy.
• Don't drink alcohol, smoke or use street drugs during pregnancy. It's never too late to stop or cut back.
• Ask your health care provider before taking medications or herbal teas or supplements during pregnancy.
• Call your health care provider right away if you have signs of preterm labor.
• Know that women are strong and quite capable of giving birth.
• Be aware that your birth plan may have to change to protect the baby's health.
• Find a pediatrician for your baby before he or she is born.

To learn more about pregnancy, visit Your pregnant body, Prenatal care, Eating and nutrition, Physical activity, Emotional and life changes, Staying safe, Alcohol and drugs, Get ready for labor, Vaginal birth, C-section, Pregnancy complications and Preterm labor.