We all love babies, right? We gush over how adorable and precious they are – even when they are crying and screaming – because they are just so cute!
Today, like m
any days, I am wearing my “prevention hat.” My “prevention hat” is one of my favorite hats because it is exciting to think about how we can take steps now to help prevent or reduce the risk of developing certain health conditions in the future. In the case of the cute, little babies I had you gushing over a moment ago, practicing positive health behaviors now could help protect the health of a baby you might have in the future.
I know it sounds kind of wishy-washy with the “might have in the future” part, but about half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned. Therefore, it is reasonable to say “might have in the future” even if you aren’t planning to become pregnant. Since half of all pregnancies are unplanned and since many women do not realize they are pregnant until 4-8 weeks after conception has occurred, it is important for women of childbearing age to improve their health now! If you have already had a child, you never know when the next one might come so you might as well work on improving your health now. “Preconception health” is the term used to describe this concept of improving health during your childbearing years in order to protect the health of a baby you might have in the future. Preconception health entails improving conditions and reducing risk factors that could affect the woman or her fetus in the event that the woman became pregnant.
Several medical and social risk factors – like smoking, drinking alcohol, and using of certain medications – can lead to adverse health effects for the mom or the fetus. Some of these health effects include: preterm birth, low birthweight, congenital birth defects, neurological defects, fetal alcohol syndrome, or maternal pregnancy complications. Starting a conversation with your doctor about your current health status(PDF) might help you identify any medical or social risk factors that might put you or your future baby at risk. You and your doctor (along with other healthcare providers) can work together to change any current negative health behaviors and improve your health.
Nutrition and physical activity behaviors can also play 
a role in birth outcomes. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans(PDF) provides nutritional guidance for healthy Americans over the age of 2. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines also gives specific nutrition recommendations for women of childbearing age. Several of those recommendations for women of childbearing age are included below. If you’re interested in learning about additional recommendations, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Preconception Health website.
- Folic acid supplementation can decrease the risk of neural tube defects. Women of childbearing age should consume at least 400 micrograms per day of synthetic folic acid (from fortified foods and/or supplements) in addition to food forms of folate from a varied diet. Food sources of folate/folic acid include: breads, cereals, flours, pastas, beans, peas, fruits, spinach, and asparagus.
- If a mother has iron deficiency anemia , there is an increased risk that the infant may be born at a low birth weight or preterm. Women of childbearing age should consume adequate amounts of iron from food and/or supplements. Good food sources of iron include lean meats, lean poultry, and seafood. Consuming foods or beverages rich in Vitamin C, like orange juice, together with foods that contain iron can enhance the body’s absorption of iron.
- Weight management to obtain a healthy weight prior to pregnancy can reduce the chances of preterm birth, maternal diabetes and maternal hypertension. Registered Dietitians can help women of childbearing age identify strategies for safely losing or gaining weight before becoming pregnant. Additionally, being physically fit prior to pregnancy can help better prepare a woman’s body for some of the changes that occur during pregnancy.
So, if you’re a woman of childbearing age, talk with your doctor, take your daily multivitamin, get regular physical activity, consume a balanced diet, and avoid smoking and alcohol! Take some simple steps now in order to improve your health and allow the baby “you might have in the future” to have a healthy start to life!
