You’re pregnant- Congratulations!! Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful. There are so many changes happening to you (to your body and your emotions) and to the baby growing inside you.
This is the time to take care of yourself, so you can give your baby the best start in life.
Making sure you have a healthy body will help you to feel good during pregnancy, and will also help the baby you are carrying stay healthy. Here are some things you can do to make sure you stay as healthy as possible while you are pregnant:
- See a health care provider as soon as you can, within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Going to regular health care visits during your pregnancy will help keep you and your baby healthy.
- Don’t smoke or drink alcohol while you are pregnant.
- Exercise and stay active.
- Eat healthy foods for you and your baby.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Take care of your teeth and gums while you are pregnant. See a dentist.
- Find ways to relax and learn coping strategies to help deal with stress.
- Get support from your partner. Help him to understand his role in parenthood and how he can help you.
- Learn about your rights if you are working or seeking work. Ask about any maternity leave you may be entitled to when the baby is born.
- Plan to breastfeed your baby.
- Prepare a safe space for your baby. Remember that babies sleep best in their own crib and on their backs. Blankets, stuffed animals, toys are not safe for the crib, and are best used for tummy time play.
If you need help finding services or supports for you or your baby, call 211 Child Development at 1-800-505-7000. Care coordinators can help you get connected to services you may need, such as health care, health insurance, WIC, SNAP, baby items, home visiting or other pregnancy support services.
Once your baby has arrived, we can help you connect to other community resources that can help support your baby’s growth and development.
Related Resources
- Breastfeeding Resources for Connecticut Families
- CDC Pregnancy Information
- Choose My Plate
- Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993
- Interconception
- Kids Health-Pregnancy Information
- March of Dimes
- Oral Health Care During the Perinatal Period / Infant Oral Health Care
- Paternity Establishment
- Perinatal Depression / Postpartum Depression
- Pregnancy Information
- Safe Haven for Newborns Act
- Suggested Reading: Children and Families
- Text4Baby
- Walk CT
See all Resources