What can I do to try to have a full-term baby?
- Start prenatal care with Doctor, Midwife, or Nurse-Practitioner as soon as you know you are pregnant and don’t miss any appointments.
- Tell your prenatal care provider that you do not want an induction or C-Section prior to 39 weeks of pregnancy unless you or your baby are in danger
- Eat well-balanced, healthy meals
- Do not diet or try to lose weight
- Do not smoke or be around other people who are smoking
- Do not drink alcohol, including beer and wine
- Do not take drugs or medicine without talking to your healthcare provider first
- Take a prenatal vitamin daily
- Get regular exercise
- Minimize stress
- Seek immediate medical care for any infections you might have
- See a dentist: dental infections can also be a trigger for pre-term birth
- Know the signs of early labor
*Information sources: March of Dimes, City of Milwaukee Health Department
What can put me at risk of not having a full-term baby?
- Having had a preterm baby in the past – let your healthcare provider know if you have ever had a baby come early
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs), Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or dental infections
- Gaining too little or too much weight while you are pregnant
- Having babies too close together - wait at least a year after your last baby was born to become pregnant again - two years is even better
- Stress
