IU Women's Healthcare wants all babies to have a healthy start in life.

If you are thinking about getting pregnant consider the following information provided by the Indiana Chapter of the March of Dimes.

DID YOU KNOW...

• Very high levels of stress may contribute to preterm birth or low birthweight in full-term babies.  It’s important to learn how to manage stress to help you enjoy your pregnancy and give your future baby the best chance for a healthy start in life.

• Women who see a health care provider regularly before and during pregnancy have healthier babies, are less likely to deliver prematurely, and are less likely to have other serious problems related to pregnancy.  It is important to know all the risk factors you may have to help avoid having a baby too soon, too small, or with birth defects.

• The things you tell your health care provider are confidential and that means that he or she can’t tell anyone else what you say without your permission. So don’t be afraid to talk about issues that might be uncomfortable or embarrassing. It’s OK to tell your provider if you smoke, drink alcohol or take any drugs, or if your partner hurts or scares you. Your provider needs to know all about you and your lifestyle so that he or she can give you and your baby the best care.

• A baby’s organs begin to form in the first four weeks of pregnancy, before many women even know they are pregnant.  That is why it is important to take a multivitamin with 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day before pregnancy and get a pre-pregnancy checkup and talk to you health care provider about your family history, genetics and birth defects.

• Being overweight as well as being underweight before pregnancy are risk factors for preterm labor and birth.  It is important that a woman is at her correct weight before becoming pregnant to help prevent birth defects and prematurity in her future baby.

• There is no safe level for tobacco use for a pregnant woman.  Smoking while pregnant and exposure to second hand smoke has been shown to lead to low birthweight in babies as well as a risk factor for prematurity.  Babies born too small or too soon can face lifelong disabilities and even death as a consequence.

• Some over the counter medications can harm your baby.   It is important that women see their health care provider and get the facts, before they become pregnant, to help prevent birth defects and prematurity for their future baby.

For additional news and information visit the Pregnancy & Newborn Health Education Center on the March of Dimes website.

To receive recommendations personalized for your specific situation schedule an appointment with an IU Women's Healthcare doctor by calling 317.274.8231.

Visit marchofdimes.com to learn more about the ways in which the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.