Choose a caregiver
If you already have a caregiver you love (who cares for pregnant women and delivers babies), you’re set. If not, you’ve got some homework to do. Talk to friends and relatives, ask one of your other healthcare providers to recommend someone, check out the preferred providers under your health insurance plan, or search online.
Make a prenatal appointment:
Many caregivers won’t see you until you’re at least 8 weeks pregnant, but you’ll want to get on their calendar well before this since appointments can fill up fast. To prepare, jot down the first day of your last period so your caregiver can determine your due date and start making a list of any questions that arise. Talk to relatives on both sides about your families’ medical histories. Your caregiver will want to know whether any chronic conditions or genetic abnormalities run in either of your families.
If you smoke, quit:
Smoking raises your risk of a host of problems, including miscarriage, placental problems, and preterm birth. It also slows fetal growth and increases the risk of stillbirth and infant death. Some research has even linked smoking to a greater risk of having a baby with a cleft lip or palate.
It’s never too late to quit or cut back. Every cigarette you don’t light gives your baby a better chance of being healthy.
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