Before Pregnancy

Dental Hygiene
Preconceptional Care
Smoking and Pregnancy
Sexually Transmitted Diseases 

Dental Hygiene

Did you know that your oral health can impact your pregnancy?  It is important to brush and floss your teeth and gums at least twice a day and see your dentist every six months for regular check-ups and cleanings.  If you need to have any oral surgeries or procedures, it is best to have them before you get pregnant to avoid any possible complications with anesthetics, pain medications, and antibiotics during your pregnancy.
 
If you need to find a local dentist in your area please call 1-800-336-8478 or visit www.1800dentist.com.

Preconceptional Care

If you are planning on getting pregnant, there are a few things you can do to have a healthy pregnancy:

• Every woman of child bearing age should be sure to take the appropriate daily supply of folic acid
• Every woman should eat healthy and exercise every day 
• Get tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases and use safe sex practices

Smoking and Pregnancy

If you smoke tobacco products or have a partner who smokes, it would be best to quit before getting pregnant.  Smoking not only can cause cancer, emphysema, and other health problems for yourself, but it can cause many complications with your pregnancy such as preterm labor, having a low birth weight baby, and respiratory infections.  If you smoke, quit now!
 
If you would like help to quit, here are some resources:

• Ohio Tobacco Quit  1-800-Quit-Now or www.ohioquits.com
• Tobacco Quit Line 1-866-Quit-Yes
• American Cancer Society Fresh Start Program (216) 241-1177
• City of Cleveland Freedom from Smoking (employees only)  (216) 664-4310
• Cleveland Clinic Health System Smoking Cessation Program (216) 444-5812
• Metro Health Medical Center Freedom from Smoking (216) 778-1221 or (216) 778-7503 (Spanish)
• NEON Health Services Smoking Cessation Program (216) 231-7700 ext 11058
• Recovery Resources Freedom from Smoking (216) 932-4021

Sexually Transmitted Diseases 

Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) can affect the health and development of your baby.  If you think you have been exposed to an STD, it is important to get tested right away to decrease the impact it may have on your fetus.

Find out where you can get tested for STDs