Healthy Babies

Written by: Nicole Teague
CIGNA Behavioral Health

Each year, one out of every twenty-eight parents receives the dreadful news that their baby has a birth defect (CDC, 2005). Countless other parents are forced to deal with illnesses, accidents, and diseases that risk the well-being of their child. Considering this, it's no wonder that so many parents-to-be worry about whether their child will be healthy. Sadly, many birth defects, illnesses, and accidents cannot be prevented. However, by taking certain precautions during pregnancy and throughout early childhood, you may be able to improve your baby's chances at living a long and healthy life.

Even before a woman becomes pregnant, leading a healthy lifestyle can increase the odds of having the healthiest pregnancy possible. Here are some tips on what you can do to give your baby the best chance at having a healthy start.

Top 10 things you can do to ensure a healthy pregnancy

1. Maintain a healthy diet and take a vitamin supplement that includes folic acid. You and your baby will need the extra nutrients in order to sustain a healthy pregnancy.
2. Exercise. While exercising too rigorously could be dangerous for you and your baby, maintaining light exercise can help you both during, and after, the birth.
3. Getting early prenatal care and continuing to be monitored throughout your pregnancy is crucial to maintaining the health of both you and your baby. See your doctor as soon as you think you might be pregnant.
4. Try to keep your stress level low. Experiencing excessive stress during pregnancy can increase the risk of having a premature or low birth weight baby (Davis, 2003).
5. Stay away from smoking, drugs, and alcohol. These can cause a substantial amount of harm to your baby. When it comes to these, there is no safe amount.
6. Knowing your family's medical history can help in identifying any potential health problems that you or your baby may be at risk for.
7. Prepare for your pregnancy by educating yourself. Read books on pregnancy, get advice from other parents, or talk to your health care provider. Not only will it help you to make wiser decisions, but you'll also feel a greater sense of closeness with your baby.
8. Your body is working hard! Make sure to get plenty of rest.
9. Certain things should be avoided during pregnancy because of the potential harm they can cause to your unborn baby:
   • Exposure to radiation, such as x-rays
   • Infections such as measles, STDs, and chicken pox
   • Handling cat litter and eating undercooked meat, due to the risk of toxoplasmosis — a condition which can lead to birth defects
   • Saunas and hot tubs
   • Exposure to toxic substances such as paint, lead, and certain other chemical substances.
10. Check with your doctor when it comes to things that could possibly harm your baby. Some examples of things you may want to discuss are:
    • Taking medications (prescription and non-prescription)
    • Beginning or continuing an exercise program

Securing a healthy life for your baby does not stop once the baby is born. Keeping your child out of harm's way can prevent many accidents and illnesses from occurring. Here are some tips on what you can do to continue ensuring your baby's health and safety.

Top 10 things you can do to keep your baby safe

1. Breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for your baby, and it minimizes the risk of allergy.
2. Babies are fragile. Be sure that you handle your baby gently and support their head.
3. Try to keep stress levels low. Take care of yourself by getting plenty of rest and taking time for yourself. Get help if you feel extremely stressed out or depressed.
4. Make sure that your baby is properly secured in a car seat when traveling. To find out whether your baby's car seat is safe and being used correctly, visit your local Child Safety Seat Inspection Station for a safety check. Locations can be found at the website for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Check: http://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa/whatis/regions/index.cfm?fitting=yes
5. Unintentional injury is the leading cause of death for children under 14. By following some simple safety guidelines around your home, you can help to prevent unnecessary accidents. The following website has some information on what you can do to get you started: http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/home/childproof.html
6. Keep your baby's immunizations up to date and visit your baby's doctor regularly for check-ups.
7. Put your baby to sleep on his back to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
8. Make sure that your baby's physical needs are met. Know when your baby needs to be fed, comforted, changed, or is uncomfortable. Be aware of the signs of a sick baby, and be sure to contact your baby's doctor if you have questions or concerns.
9. Meet your baby's emotional needs. When your baby cries, she/he is trying to communicate with you. Responding to your baby is the first step towards building a long-lasting, loving relationship.
10. Keep your child's environment "baby-friendly". A clean space with a moderate temperature will help to prevent your baby from becoming ill.

For further information on how to have a healthy baby, talk to your health provider.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (October, 2005). Having a Healthy Pregnancy. Retrieved December 15, 2005 from http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/4439_1206.asp

Davis, Jeanie. 2003. Mothers' Stress Affects Fetus. Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. Retrieved December 19, 2005 from www.webmd.com/content/Article/60/67241.htm

This material is provided by CIGNA Behavioral Health, Inc. for informational/educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical/clinical advice. Only a healthcare provider can make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment plan. For more information about your behavioral health benefits, you can call the member services or behavioral health telephone number listed on your healthcare identification card.