How to Start Your Baby off “Smarter”

There is so much you can do to assist your baby while it is in your womb. What you eat and how well you take care of yourself during the pregnancy benefits your baby.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Following these simple steps will help you start your baby off "smarter" while in the womb. All you need is the right mind set. Start thinking like a parent before your baby is born.

1. Realize that parenting begins before your baby is born.
   Start by thinking about that the choices you make everyday. They can determine your baby’s brain development and health later. The healthy development of your child’s brain and body begins before the baby’s birth
2. Reevaluate your daily routine
   Think about what you eat and drink. Make sure you are getting enough protein, vitamins, minerals, folic acid, and calories, in your diet.
   Think about where you spend most of your days. Are you at home, work? Make sure you are not exposed to second hand smoke at home, work, or other public place. Check if you are exposed to pesticides or other toxins at home, work, or other public places.
3. Quit Smoking, Drinking and any Drug use
   Are you taking any over the counter drugs that could be harmful to the baby?
   Have all prescription drugs been approved by your obstetrician?
   Are you exposing yourself to drugs or second hand drugs?
   Do you know how much is too much alcohol?
   Are you aware of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?
   Do you or your partner smoke?
4. Determine your daily stress level
   Stress, anger, depression, and fear releases chemicals in a mother’s body. This can be harmful to your unborn baby.
   Think about if you are going through significant changes at home, in your relationships, at work, moving, changing jobs. This should be a time when you
   are trying your best to relax and take control of yourself. Avoid stressful environments at home and/or at work.

Tips & Warnings

• Parent your unborn child by doing what is best for your baby now. Make the most of your day and do what is right for you baby. Avoid smoke, drugs and alcohol during pregnancy. Keep your home as stress free as possible.