4 Steps to a Healthy Child

(Please click here for a 4 Steps to a Healthy Child pamphlet in PDF form.)

1.    Prenatal Care and Child Wellness Checks

2.    Healthy Habits

3.    Avoid and Protect

4.    Spiritual and Mental Wellbeing

1.)   Prenatal Care and Child Wellness Checks

a.      Prenatal - occurring or existing before birth; "the prenatal period"

b.     Visit your health care provider as soon as you suspect you may be pregnant

c.     Choose a health care provider that you are comfortable with

d.     It is NEVER too late to begin prenatal care

e.      Typical Prenatal Visit Schedule:

                                                               i.      10-18 visits total

                                                             ii.      Once during the first trimester

                                                            iii.      Once every four weeks during the second trimester

                                                           iv.      Once every two weeks until week 36

                                                             v.      Weekly until delivery

f.       What happens at prenatal visits?

                                                               i.      First Visit

1.      Health history and your family health history

2.      Physical exam which will include checks of your blood pressure, height and weight

3.      Pelvic Exam

4.      Blood and urine tests

5.      Due date will be determined

6.      Develop a plan to have a healthy pregnancy

7.      Discuss and start prenatal vitamins, which will include Folic Acid. 

                                                             ii.      Later Prenatal Visits

1.      Overall check of your health

2.      Check development and health of your baby

3.      Ultrasound exams are often used to check on the baby's growth and health.

4.      More urine and blood tests - as well as special tests if needed.

g.       Typical Child Wellness Check Schedule

                                                               i.      Your child’s first examination will occur in the health care facility where you deliver.

                                                             ii.      First office visit anywhere from  2- 4 weeks after birth

                                                            iii.      Following visits at 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 months of age

h.       What happens at Child Wellness Checks?

                                                               i.      First Examination in Health Care Facility

                                                             ii.      Weight and Height

                                                            iii.      Heart and lung sounds

                                                           iv.      Check internal organs by touching your baby externally

                                                             v.      Newborn reflexes

                                                           vi.      Hips, for possible dislocation

                                                          vii.      Hands, feet, arms and legs

                                                        viii.      Genitals

                                                           ix.      The umbilical stump

                                                             x.      Overall general physical check (i.e. ten fingers and toes)

                                                           xi.      AGPAR Score (Virginia Agpar)

                                                          xii.      Hearing test

i.        Following Visits

                                                               i.      Check overall health of your child

                                                             ii.      Inquire about eating and sleeping habits

                                                            iii.      Height and Weight

                                                           iv.      Vision and hearing tests

                                                             v.      Check heart and lungs

                                                           vi.      Development assessments

                                                          vii.      Immunizations - Please click here for Immunization Schedule
 

2.)   Healthy Habits: Before, During, and After Pregnancy

a.      Well-balanced diet

b.     Prenatal vitamin or multi-vitamin containing Folic Acid

c.     Sleep

d.     An exercise program approved by your health care provider

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     3.)   Avoid and Protect

a.      Avoid Harmful Substances

                                                             i.      No alcohol or drug use

                                                           ii.      Limit caffeine

                                                          iii.      Do not smoke during pregnancy 

                                                         iv.      Make sure all over-the-counter and store-bought medication, vitamins, or herbs are approved by your health care provider

b.     Protect Your Child

c.     Use an approved car seat/booster seat  for children age 6 and under

d.     Baby Proof Your Home

4.)   Spiritual and Mental Wellbeing

a.      Set aside time for yourself each day

b.     Get plenty of sleep

c.     Set up a strong social support network

d.     Remember, reflect and rely on your beliefs

e.      Learn and practice stress relieving techniques

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