Healthy Prenatal Development

A healthy lifestyle is vital during pregnancy. It is important that a mother maintains a healthy pregnancy by taking care of herself , but also the fetus by ensuring she is seeking proper prenatal care from a physician and also nutrition counseling. The best way to ensure that a have healthy pregnancy and birth is to ensure that you are making healthy lifestyle choices.  Although prenatal visits seem simple and even mundane, their importance can’t be underestimated. Years of research has shown that pregnant women who get adequate prenatal care are more likely to have healthy babies and fewer complications during labor and recovery (Williams, 1999). Research has shown that women who routinely seek medical care through an obstetrician, maintain a healthy lifestyle and follow proper prenatal care will have healthier babies and pregnancy outcomes. It is given that a woman should not consume alcohol while pregnant or smoke, however, some women still do despite the risk. I would also let the mother know that she has made the best choice by choosing not to drink alcohol or smoke during her pregnancy as it would be harmful to the fetus. Smoking is very harmful to a baby during pregnancy.  According to Williams, (1999), “Smokers put their babies at a significantly higher risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and still birth compared with non-smokers. After birth, the babies of mothers who smoked are more likely to have poor lung development, asthma, and respiratory infections, and to die of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)” (p.20). Drinking alcohol can be very harmful to a fetus because when the mother drinks so does the fetus. Alcohol is a known cause of mental retardation and facial abnormalities in babies, a condition called fetal alcohol syndrome (Williams, 1999).  Prohibiting from the use of alcohol, smoking or drugs can help not only while the baby is in utero, but also after the baby is born by preventing after birth complications. 

Williams, R. D. (1999, Mar). Healthy pregnancy, healthy baby. FDA Consumer, 33, 18-22. Retrieved  from http://search.proquest.com/docview/227032285?accountid=14872

Whitehurst, T. (2012). Raising a Child with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Hearing the Parent Voice. British Journal Of Learning Disabilities, 40(3), 187-193.

 Advocacy Message: 
It is important help women seek resources and support that promote a healthy pregnancy for a strong family network.   

As an educator, I see so many children who have disability that are pregnancy related and can be prevented or lessened with proper resources. However, many parents do not know the importance of a healthy pregnancy. Often, mothers do not realize the lasting effect of not getting proper prenatal care when pregnant. I feel that it is important to educate mothers and provide then resources when needed.  

I need more people to understand why it is important for mothers to seek proper care when pregnant. Why? Because we can avoid may health and development issues that can affect a child once they are born or even during pregnancy.