Pregnant or Planning
A healthy baby starts with a healthy pregnancy. If you’re pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, you might need to make some lifestyle changes, including changes to your diet and the medications you take. The very first step is to talk to your healthcare provider.
I’m Currently Pregnant
Pregnancy is an exciting time for moms-to-be. Whether it’s your first child or you already have children at home, you have a lot of choices to make and things to think about. By working with your healthcare provider to make sure your pregnancy is healthy, you are choosing to protect your new baby’s health.
As soon as you realize you’re pregnant, reach out to your healthcare provider to schedule your prenatal visits, where they’ll check on your health and your growing baby. Your provider can also work with you to handle any side effects you might have during pregnancy, like nausea. Your provider will also work with you to make changes to your diet and lifestyle, including your use of alcohol, marijuana, tobacco or other substances.
Many pregnant people find themselves in a situation of unintentionally using marijuana, alcohol or tobacco while pregnant – before they know they are pregnant or they may continue to use while pregnant. Several studies suggest that marijuana is the leading recreational drug that pregnant women report using. A lot of pregnant people struggle to quit or cut back during this time. They did not plan to get pregnant – they were not planning to stop. Keep in mind – it’s never too late to quit or cut back. Any amount helps. Whenever you do – you are improving your health and the health of your baby.
Every family needs a little help from time to time. There are lots of great resources in New Hampshire to support pregnant and parenting families get a range of services. The Plan of Safe Care is a guide you develop collaboratively with your healthcare provider where you identify existing support and services available to give your family the best start possible. It helps you get the special support and services now and when you bring home your baby. Learn more about marijuana and pregnancy.
I’m Thinking About Becoming Pregnant
If you’re thinking about becoming pregnant, you already have a lot on your mind. Work with your healthcare provider to make a plan to help you get pregnant and to have a healthy pregnancy. The key to a healthy baby is a healthy pregnancy. It’s time to focus on taking care of your health and happiness, so you can feel good throughout your pregnancy. Eating healthy food, getting active, and working with your provider to avoid drinking alcohol and using marijuana will help you become pregnant and help your baby develop and grow. Talk with your provider early about your diet and any medication you’re taking.
Some women use medical marijuana before pregnancy to help with nausea, sleep issues, or anxiety. However, we know that marijuana use of any kind could impact your baby’s development. Using marijuana during your pregnancy is linked to learning and behavioral challenges later in life making it difficult to meet important developmental milestones. Learn more about marijuana and pregnancy.