Information provided by:
Indiana Perinatal Network
A community approach to improving health care for
Indiana’s Mothers & Babies

These six lessons were learned as a result of close reviews of causes of infant death in four separate regions of Indiana.

1.  KNOW THE SIGNS OF PRETERM LABOR, AND WHAT TO DO
ABOUT IT.

     Contact your health care provider immediately if you have these
symptoms:
     Contractions every 10 minutes, or more than 5 contractions in
1 hour
     Backache that does not go away after resting on your side
     Changes in vaginal discharge
     Pelvic pressure that feels like the baby is pushing down inside
     Menstrual -like cramps
     Abdominal cramps and diarrhea

2.  DON'T SMOKE WHILE YOU ARE PREGNANT.

     It's best to stop smoking before you are pregnant.  If you can't
stop, cut down.
     Try to stay in smoke-free places.  Don't let people smoke around
your baby.
     Call the Family Helpline, 1.800.433.0746, to find out about
programs to help you stop smoking.

3.  START PRENATAL CARE AS SOON AS YOU FIND OUT YOU
ARE PREGNANT.

     See a health care provider as soon as you think you are
pregnant.  This will allow you to find any problems early.
     Even better, talk to your health care provider before you become
pregnant.  It is important to take folic acid before pregnancy
begins.

4.  PAY ATTENTION TO WHEN THE BABY MOVES INSIDE
YOUR BODY.

     If the baby's movements seem to slow down, call your health
care provider.
     Your health care provider may ask you to do "Kick Counts".

One example is: At a regular time each day lie down on your left
side; keep track of how long it takes to feel the baby move 10 times;
if you count less than 10 movements in 2 hours call your health care
provider.

5.  EAT WELL AND GAIN 25-35 POUNDS DURING PREGNANCY.

     If you don't gain enough weight, your baby may not gain
enough weight.
     Eating for two from the five food groups - milk, meat, fruits,
vegetables, and grains will make both you and your baby
stronger.

6.  PUT YOUR BABY ON ITS BACK TO SLEEP.

     You can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
(SIDS) by placing your baby on its back while sleeping.
     Don't allow smoking around the baby.
     Your baby should sleep on a firm mattress.  Nothing should be in
the crib; no pillows, blankets or stuffed animals.
     Avoid overheating.  Don't tightly wrap or overdress your baby,
especially when sick.