Heather Aldred, Maternal and Child Health Services Supervisor with the Health Department said, “Many steps can be taken to increase a woman’s chance of having a healthy baby. Here are some helpful tips for pregnant women or women who may become pregnant: While we can’t prevent all birth defects, the following steps increase a woman’s chance of having a healthy baby.
1. Be sure to take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day.
2. Book a visit with your healthcare provider before stopping or starting any medicine.
3. Become up-to-date with all vaccines, including the flu shot.
4. Before you get pregnant, try to reach a healthy weight.
5. Boost your health by avoiding harmful substances during pregnancy, such as alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
“Most people are unaware of how common, costly and critical birth defects are in the United States, or that there are simple steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of birth defects” adds Aldred. “The health of both parents prior to pregnancy can affect the risk of having a child with a birth defect. Diet, life-style choices, factors in the environment, health conditions and medications before and during pregnancy all can play a role in preventing or increasing the risk of birth defects.”
For more information, call the First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee at 309-852-5272; Colona at 309-792-4011; and Toulon at 309-852-3115, or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com; find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at Henry and Stark County Health Departments.