Tips reviewed by expert source: Dr. May Loo, Santa Clara County Public Health

This booklet provides basic pregnancy tips. For detailed information on any of these tips, please talk to your doctor.

Congratulations! You have embarked on the wondrous and magical adventure of pregnancy. We know your goal is to have a healthy baby and having a healthy pregnancy is the best way to start.

An important aspect of a healthy pregnancy is to understand the dangers even one drink can have on your baby. If you drink alcohol, so does your baby. But unlike the effects that one drink might have on you, the effects on your baby are lifelong and may include brain damage, facial deformities, growth deficiencies and behavioral disorders, according to the U.S. Surgeon General.

But just because you are pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t have fun and enjoy refreshing non-alcoholic drinks! Here are some delicious recipes to quench your thirst!!!

Remember, your baby will only be inside you for nine months, so enjoy this intimacy and please refrain from drinking even one glass of alcohol.

Wishing you a healthy and happy pregnancy!

Start prenatal care as soon as you know you’re pregnant.

Take time to rest each day. It’s normal to be tired.

Talk and sing to your baby. Even before birth, babies can hear and learn the sounds of language.

Eat healthy foods, drink plenty of water, milk and 100% fruit juice.

Exercise regularly.

To avoid morning sickness, eat small amounts as often as you can.

If you start to bleed, get medical help right away.

Long periods of stress or depression may affect your developing baby. Talk to your doctor.

Find out from your employer about Family Medical Leave and State Disability Insurance (SDI) benefits for pregnant women and new parents.

3 1/2 oz. frozen strawberries1/8 cup ice1/2 oz. sweet and sour mix1 dash grenadine syrup

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Place strawberries, ice, sweet and sour mix and grenadine in a blender. Blend until smooth. Add more or less ice depending on your taste.

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You will probably gain between 25 to 35 pounds.

You will need to gain a little more if you were thin when you got pregnant.

You might gain a little less if you were heavy when you got pregnant.

You will probably gain just a few pounds in the first few months and then gain weight faster as your baby grows.

During the last 6 months, gaining about one pound a week is about right.

Your doctor or health worker will tell you what is right for you.

2 (2 liter) bottles ginger ale, chilled1 (46 oz.) can pineapple juice, chilled1 (64 oz.) bottle white grape juice, chilled

In a large punch bowl, combine ginger ale, pineapple juice and white grape juice.

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Pack a suitcase with items to take with you during your stay in the hospital.

Install or check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the home to protect you and your newborn’s health.

Obtain a cradle, crib or bassinet that meets the latest safety standards. Newborns spend the majority of their time sleeping – up to 20 hours a day – so you’ll want to make sure yours rests both comfortably and safely.

Stock up on diapers. Since newborns can use up to 90 diapers a week, having plenty on hand will reduce your need to make frequent trips to the store.

1/4 cup water1/4 cup white sugar1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves2 cups crushed ice1/2 cup prepared lemonadeFresh mint for garnish

In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar and 1 tablespoon of chopped mint leaves. Stir and bring to a boil. Cook until sugar has dissolved, then remove from heat and set aside to cool. After an hour, strain out mint leaves.Fill 2 cups or frozen goblets with crushed ice. Pour 1/2 of the lemonade into each glass and top with a splash of the sugar syrup. Garnish each with a mint leaf and a straw.

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Install an infant car seat. California law requires parents to have an installed baby seat in their cars before they’re able to take their newborns home. Each California Highway Patrol office has “certified child seat technicians” on staff. For a list of CHP offices, visit http://www.chp.ca.gov/of-fices/offices.html

Select a pediatrician and schedule baby wellness appointments. Newborns should see the doctor regularly to help ensure their healthy growth and development.

Breastfeeding gives your baby the best start to life. A mother’s milk strengthens a baby’s immune system, helping fight off germs and disease early in your infant’s life.

8 cups tomato juice1/2 cup lemon juice1/4 cup lime juice2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce1 teaspoon pepper1 teaspoon salt1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce8 medium celery ribs with leaves

In a large pitcher, combine the first seven ingredients; stir well. Pour into glasses. Garnish with celery.

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Research shows that a child’s brain develops most dramatically in the first five years and what parents and caregivers do during these years to support their child’s growth will have a meaningful impact throughout life.

Based on this research, California voters passed Proposition 10 in 1998, adding a 50 cent tax on tobacco products to support programs for expectant parents and children ages 0 to 5.

For more information on FIRST 5 Santa Clara County and its programs, please call 408.260.3700 or visit www.first5kids.org.

FIRST 5 offers all new and expecting parents a free Kit for New Parents. With a retail value of $75, this kit provides tools parents need to feel confident as they welcome a child into their lives.

To order your free kit, call 800.KIDS.025.

Santa Clara County’s FASD Task Force was established on September 9, 2002 as an education and advocacy group to increase the awareness of the preventable nature of FASD.

During any given day in Santa Clara County, about 75 babies are born. Out of those 75 babies more of them will be born with Fetal Alcohol Effects than with Down Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy and HIV combined!

Santa Clara County’s FASD Task Force has produced awareness DVD’s, health education brochures, provided trainings and resources for physicians and the criminal justice community to understand the needs of people affected with FASD. The Task Force has organized an annual International FASD Awareness Day and the NineZero Conference.

If you would like more information or to join our efforts please contact:

1-800-310-2332 or e-mail the Perinatal Substance Abuse Coordinator at raj.gill@hhs.sccgov.org.

For more information on FASD:

www.first5kids.org/FASD

For information on help to stop drinking:

Gateway: Alcohol and Drug 800.488.9919