By Stephanie Sosnowski

January is a great time for making resolutions to improve your health - which makes it the perfect time to plan ahead to have the healthiest baby possible. Did you know that the best way to prepare for pregnancy is to start several months before conception? If mom-to-be waits until the pregnancy test shows up positive, she has possibly missed out on many weeks of important, healthy lifestyle changes.

Everyone needs to get to a healthy weight. Obesity is a leading public health concern. The high rates of obesity among women of childbearing age and the increasing body of evidence linking obesity to birth defects makes it even more important for women to improve their overall health and fitness levels prior to conception. Studies have found that maternal obesity is associated with fetal brain and spinal cord defects, fetal limb reductions, and other birth defects. Additionally, compared to normal-weight women, obese women have an increased risk of pregnancy complications and adverse outcomes such as infertility, high blood pressure disorders, gestational diabetes, anesthetic challenges in the delivery room, increased risk of needing a cesarean section, and fetal and newborn death. Why not take this opportunity to make some healthy changes in your life now – think about your future child!

The following websites can provide valuable information about healthy weight before and during pregnancy, and BMI (body mass index):

www.healthy-baby.org/HowMuchWeight.htm
www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/

Speak with your healthcare provider now and get their recommendations for your individual needs. If you don’t have a provider because you don’t have health insurance, contact Maternal-Infant Services Network (MISN) at 1-800-453-4666 to see if you are eligible for a state-funded health insurance program. MISN can also help you find a community health center in your county, where you will find the healthcare services you need.

Other steps that women can take for healthier babies:

• Take a vitamin with 400 micrograms (mcg) folic acid every day.
• Avoid alcohol, tobacco and street drugs.
• Keep hands clean by washing them often with soap and water to prevent infections.
• See a health care professional regularly. Be sure to tell them about any medical problems and medicine use (over-the-counter, herbals, and prescriptions).
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
• Avoid unpasteurized (raw) milk and foods made from it.
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat.

Once you do become pregnant:
• Continue with all of the healthy habits listed!
• Get early prenatal care (in the first three months) and go to every appointment.
• Stay active – check with your local gym to see if they offer special programs for pregnant women. If not, just get out and take a walk everyday!
• Be aware of your weight gain during pregnancy – typically 25-35 pounds for women of normal weight; 15- 25 pounds for overweight women, and 15 pounds for obese women.
• Enroll in a childbirth education class. (visit MISN’s website to learn more)
• Plan on breastfeeding – it will help you get back in shape after the birth of your baby!

For More Information on FREE or LOW COST Health Insurance, Prenatal Care or Breastfeeding Support Call 1-800-453-4666.