Mon.: Noon - 6pm.
  Tues.: Noon - 6pm.
  Wed.: Closed
  Thurs.: Noon - 6pm.
  Fri.: Closed
  Sat.: Closed

   703-354-7272

Assist@AssistCPC.org

Get Enough Folate
Folate, or folic acid, is a B vitamin that helps prevent some birth defects such as spina bifida. You can get this through eating plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit or by taking a prenatal or "one-a-day" vitamin.

Avoid Alcohol
Even if you drank some alcohol before you knew you were pregnant, it is a good time for you to stop. Regular high amounts of alcohol have been associated with some serious problems for babies. We don't know what a safe level is, so we recommend no alcohol during pregnancy.

Don't Smoke
Whatever you take into your body, your baby also gets. Smoke can be harmful for the baby as well as for you. Many women feel nauseated when they smoke or breathe second-hand smoke during pregnancy and find that it is a good time to quit.

Avoid Other Harmful Substances
Evens small amounts of drugs such as cocaine or heroine can be harmful to you and your baby, so do not use them. Don't breathe fumes from paint, spray cans or insecticides. Even some common substances like caffeine and artificial sweeteners should be avoided whenever possible during pregnancy. If you use prescription medication, be sure to check with you physician about its safety during pregnancy.

Avoid Other Harmful Activities
We also recommend that you avoid getting overheated during your pregnancy, whether from heavy exercise or saunas and hot tubs. Light exercise or anything that you were used to doing before pregnancy may be safe to continue.. ask your physician.

Don't Empty A Cat Litter Box
Some cats carry a disease called toxoplasmosis. Exposure to their feces can cause a pregnant woman to get the disease, which can be very harmful for unborn babies. If you have a cat, ask someone else to empty the cat litter box during your pregnancy. Contact your physician if you think you have been exposed.

Warning Signs
Note: Assist Pregnancy Center is not a medical facility. If any of the following symptoms occur, you should seek immediate care from your healthcare provider or emergency room.

• Bleeding from the vagina
• Sudden gush or leaking of fluid from the vagina
• Sudden weight gain with puffiness in hands or face
• Severe, constant headahces with dizziness, blurred vision or spots before the eyes
• Pain in your abdomen or severe cramping
• Severe nausea or vomiting lasting more than 24 hours
• Burning or pain during urination
• Fever of 100.4 degrees or higher
• No fetal movement for more than 24 hours (after you start feeling the baby move)
• Signs of labor