Frequently Asked Questions > Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

Monday, March 02, 2009

Frequently Asked Questions

Idaho CareLine: In Idaho, Dial 2-1-1 or 800-926-2588

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Is it really important to completely quit drinking or smoking during pregnancy? Isn't moderation the answer?

Answer: The use of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs during pregnancy continues to be a leading preventable cause of mental, physical, and psychological impairments and problems in infants and children. Even one drink risks the health of an unborn baby. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is the name given to a group of physical and mental birth defects that is the direct result of a woman's drinking alcohol during pregnancy. See the article entitled What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Effect (FAE) or an informative article Drugs, Alcohol, and Cigarettes During Pregnancy for additional information.

Question: We are expecting our first child. How can I keep track of the changes/developments that will happen during the pregnancy?

Answer: Congratulations! Pregnancy/Childbirth offers a great "Pregnancy Week by Week" resource on their web site which will help you understand your pregnancy and the fetal development taking place. You can also sign up to receive automatic weekly updates throughout your pregnancy.

Most importantly, if you have not yet sought medical attention, it is important that you seek prenatal care for yourself and your child. If you do not have medical insurance, see the Early Childhood Information Clearinghouse article "Health Insurance" or contact the Idaho CareLine at 2-1-1 or 1-800-926-2588 or 1-208-332-7205 (TDD) for a referral.

Question: We would like to start our family within the next year. What can we do to make it a healthy pregnancy?

Answer: There is a lot you can do towards having a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby. Healthy lifestyles of both mother and father will have an impact on the health of the fetus. Two articles which outline the importance of good nutrition before and during your pregnancy are: 8 Steps to a Healthy Pregnancy and Planning for Pregnancy. Also review the article Folic Acid Reduces Birth Defects and articles found on the March of Dimes web site under Having a Healthy Baby.

Other issues for you to consider if you drink or smoke are:

FACT: Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) occurs in babies when pregnant women consume alcohol. FAS is 100% preventable. Pregnant? Don't Drink. Period. See the article Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Effect (FAE).

FACT: Infants born to mothers who smoke during pregnancy are three times more at risk of SIDS. Exposure to passive smoke from smoking by mothers, fathers, or others in the household after pregnancy doubles a baby's risk of SIDS. See the article National SIDS Awareness Month /Child Health Month.