Moms-To-Be

Read up on the best ways to lay a healthy foundation for your baby; including tips for Zika.

Ifeel it’s important to empower women to take charge of their own health before, during and after pregnancy. Most women know that they should not smoke, and should avoid secondhand smoke, because it increases the risk of premature birth.

Protecting against defects

As an ob-gyn, I discuss with my patients other ways to prevent prematurity or birth defects, including: • Don’t use alcohol or illegal drugs • Get control of chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure • Take a daily multivitamin containing 400 micrograms of folic acid, a B vitamin • Wait at least 18 months between the birth of a baby and the next pregnancy • Don’t take any medication, especially herbal products, prescription pain medications, or statins, before checking with your doctor • Maintain a healthy weight • Avoid fish high in mercury or lead, and steer clear of raw or undercooked meat and unpasteurized juice and dairy products • Keep caffeine intake to one 12-ounce cup per day or less

What about Zika?

Recently, my patients have had a new concern: Zika virus. This mosquito-borne and sexually transmitted virus can cause microcephaly, a severe brain defect and other very serious problems for a baby.

The CDC advises all pregnant women to avoid travel to areas with Zika. If you must travel, talk to your doctor and take steps to prevent mosquito bites. If your sex partner travels to an area with Zika, use a barrier method of birth control, such as a condom or dental dam, every time you have sex. By Siobhan M. Dolan, M.D., MPH, Medical Advisor, March of Dimes