What puts me at risk ?
Smoking
- Smoking during pregnancy is the greatest factor for having a low birthweight baby.
- Low birthweight babies weigh less than 5lbs 8oz. These babies are at greater risk for health problems and long term disabilities.
- Even if you don't smoke, living with a smoker can put your baby at risk.
- After birth, babies who are around smoke are at increased risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and respiratory problems.
Quitting smoking may not be easy but it is very important for your health and your baby's health. Talk to your health care provider about how to quit.
Low Maternal Weight Gain & Poor Nutrition
- When a pregnant woman doesn't gain enough weight her baby is more likely to be born too little and have many problems.
- A typical weight gain is 24-30 lbs during pregnancy.
- Depending on how much you weigh when you become pregnant, you may need to gain more or less weight.
- Talk to your doctor or nurse about how much weight to gain and the best foods to eat for a healthy baby.
Remember your baby only eats what you eat before birth.
Not Getting Prenatal Care Puts Your Baby At Risk
You should go to the doctor as soon as you think you are pregnant. You should have checkups often. This is the best way to avoid serious problems. You can care for your health and your baby's health this way.
Schedule an appointment for prenatal care as soon as you learn you are pregnant! If you need assistance in finding a prenatal care provider, call the Care Line at 1-800-868-0404.
Substance Abuse
- Everytime a pregnant woman takes a drink or a drug, her unborn baby does too.
- Drinking any type of alcohol (beer, wine, liquor) can be harmful.
- Alcohol and drugs can cause a baby to be born too small, developmentally delayed or more likely to be sick. They can harm developing organs like the brain and heart.
During your pregnancy, it is safest to avoid all alcohol and street drugs. Only take medications that your health care provider has said you may take.
If you need assistance in stopping your use of alcohol or drugs, please call the Care Line for resources available in your county.
Domestic Violence
Abuse happens to the poor, rich, young, old and among all races.
But no one deserves to be abuse or threatened.
- Are you ever afraid of your partner?
- Does your partner tell you what to do and who to see?
- Has your partner ever threatened to harm you?
- Has your partner ever pushed or hit you, thrown things at you or forced you to have sex?
- Does your partner threaten to have you deported?
If you answered "Yes," even once, your partner may be abusive.
Your health care provider may be able to talk about your options and help you find a safe place to stay. For information or assistance you can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
Early or Preterm Labor
- Many babies who die in South Carolina are born too early; that is before 37 weeks of pregnancy/gestation.
- Not knowing the signs of early labor, many women do not seek help in time to avoid delivering premature babies.
- Some of the risk factors for early labor are - previous baby born too early, low pre-pregnancy weight and cigarette smoking.
Having Babies Too Close Together
- Having babies born less than 24 months apart may increase the chance of having a baby born too small or more likely to be sick.
- A woman's body needs to rest and replenish itself.
- Women can get pregnant while breastfeeding.
Infections
There are many kinds of infections that may affect the health of an unborn child and the mother. To learn more about four groups of infections click below:
Unplanned Pregnancy
- Pregnancies that are either mistimed or unwanted may increase the chances of a baby being born unhealthy. This is because a woman who does not think she is pregnant may not eat well, not have enough folic acid in her diet, have poorly controlled diabetes, high blood pressure, or have other health problems and may do things like smoke and drink that are harmful to the unborn child.
- By the time she learns she is pregnant some critical developments for the baby have already taken place.
- If you do not want to be pregnant, it is important to discuss birth control and family planning with your doctor or local health department staff.