Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, August 29, 1994                   TAG: 9408300012
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: EXTRA3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: By NICOLE M. MALEC THE HARTFORD COURANT
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

'BABY BOOK' HAS CHANGED A LOT IN 25 YEARS

In the past 25 years, conventional wisdom on prenatal and child care has been changed more times than a newborn's diaper. And, to keep up, baby books have grown up.

What was once a guide for new mothers is now a book for both mothers and fathers, who both are likely to work outside the home and share child-care duties.

A comparison of the Better Homes and Gardens Baby Book from 1969 and the updated 1991 printing reveals some funny yet startling changes that have occurred since many of today's moms were babies.

Some of the basic old advice holds true, such as the importance of maintaining a healthful diet, but much of what was permitted is now on a long list of modern no-nos.

``If you're a heavy smoker,'' the 1969 version says, ``doctors advise that you cut down to a great extent, but you needn't quit entirely, unless your doctor recommends it.''

Now, women who smoke are warned that they run an increased risk of having an underweight baby. Even cigarette packs carry the warnings. Heavy smokers increase their risk of stillbirth. Even exposure to secondhand smoke is seen as a threat to the unborn child.

Alcohol was once considered a danger only to a woman's waistline.

``Alcoholic beverages contain between 70 and 160 calories,'' the old edition warns, ``and might be worth eliminating from your diet if the doctor suggests cutting down on your caloric intake.''

Now, studies have shown that babies born to alcoholic mothers commonly suffer from fetal alcohol syndrome. These children are undersized, have a characteristic facial appearance and a low IQ. Moderate drinking is also suspected of affecting the unborn child.

In 1969, it was still thought that ``most drugs or medicines have no effect on the pregnancy one way or another.'' Now, women are warned - in bold type, no less - that they should not take any medication, including aspirin or laxatives, without consulting their doctors.

Despite the growing number of restrictions, the rules concerning women working outside the home have relaxed. In 1969, women were urged to put their families first.

``Unless it is absolutely necessary for you to work, think it over carefully before you leave your baby in the care of someone else every day. He needs you!''

As far as working during pregnancy, women were advised to stop working when they began showing in the fifth month, if appearances were important. And, certainly they should stop after the seventh month, regardless of the type of work they did.

Now, many doctors consider working during pregnancy vital to a woman's emotional health.

``You may want to keep your job during pregnancy, perhaps until the very day of delivery. Medically, there seems to be little reason not to do so,'' the 1991 version states.

Though society, medical technology and scientific information have changed dramatically in 25 years, one bit of advice has survived years of editing: ``The most important ingredient in raising a child isn't knowledge, but love.''

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Though society, medical technology and scientific information have changed dramatically in 25 years, one bit of advice has survived years of editing: ``The most important ingredient in raising a child isn't knowledge, but love.''