What Every Future Mom Needs to Know

May 07, 2009

It’s Mother’s Day today, so here are good wishes to all the moms out there! 

For most moms, the health of their children is a top priority.  So I thought today would be a good time to share a message about a way to help women have healthier pregnancies and healthier babies.  Did you know that even though we’re one of the richest countries in the world, we don’t have the best birth outcomes?  About 13 percent of babies in the U.S. are premature, eight percent have low birthweight, and seven out of every 1,000 babies die before reaching one year of age.

If you’re thinking about a pregnancy, how can you increase the odds that the baby will be healthy?  Most people have heard of prenatal care, but there’s something else you should know about.  It’s called “preconception care.”  At least three months before the pregnancy, the future mom should pay a visit to the doctor to talk about getting ready.  The visit should cover a wide range of topics including genetic background, past pregnancies, nutrition, and more.  The dad’s health can affect a pregnancy, too, so future fathers should check in with their doctors as well.

If you’re a woman thinking about pregnancy, here are five especially important steps to take before conception:

 

1.  Take folic acid, 400 mcg per day, beginning at least three months before you conceive.  Folic acid can reduce the risk of your baby having a neural tube defect, such as a deformation of the spine or incomplete development of the brain.  It’s important to start getting enough folic acid before you become pregnant, because these defects occur very early in the baby’s development.  Neural tube defects can happen before you even realize you’re pregnant.  If you have any personal or family history of neural tube defects, or if you have a chronic illness like diabetes or epilepsy, tell your doctor.  You may need a higher dose of folic acid.

The easiest way to get the recommended amount of folic acid is to take a supplement.  Most multivitamins contain at least 400 mcg (0.4 mg), so a daily vitamin may be all you need.  You can also find individual folic acid supplements.  In each case, check the label to be sure of the dose.  Some foods are fortified with folic acid.  You could get your daily dose by eating a breakfast cereal with at least 400 mcg per serving.  Enriched breads, pastas, and other cereals contain folic acid, but far less than the full 400 mcg.  It can be hard to make sure you get at least 400 mcg per day from these types of foods, so be sure to check labels.

 

2.  If you smoke or drink alcohol, stop.  Women who smoke are more likely to have decreased fertility, pregnancy complications, premature babies, and babies with low birthweight.  Alcohol puts your baby at risk for mental retardation, learning disabilities, heart defects, and other problems. 

 

3.  Make sure any medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or epilepsy, are under control and that your vaccinations are up to date.  Obesity is also considered a medical condition.  It has been linked to pregnancy complications, birth defects, and fetal death, so aim for a healthy weight before you conceive. 

 

4.  Tell your doctor and pharmacist about any medicines you take.  That includes over-the counter medicines and herbal treatments or supplements, not just prescriptions.  Make sure that nothing you’re taking could be dangerous to a developing fetus.

 

5.  Check your home and workplace for hazardous chemicals, toxins, infectious materials, and other exposures.  Avoid contact with cat litter, which may harbor a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii.  It can cause birth defects if a woman becomes infected just before or during pregnancy.[1]

Even if you’re thinking that pregnancy is a long way off, it’s a good idea to start a conversation with your doctor about what you’ll need to do.  It’s never too early to start planning for a healthy baby!

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[1] Toxoplasmisis—pregnant women.  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Page last modified 1/11/09.  Accessed online 4/14/09 at http://www.cdc.gov/toxoplasmosis/pregnant.html#cat

Comments

[Rob Sperry]

Should you add omega-3 supplementation to the list? Also when your child is born talk to them like they are learning all the time. Talk in clear simple language, use lots of hand gestures, and a few signs.