You have probably heard that a woman’s health and lifestyle choices during pregnancy can affect the health of her baby. But did you know that her choices before and during pregnancy may impact her baby’s health, not just at birth, but for a lifetime? This “Link” between prenatal and lifelong health is so important, it has been called “the biggest story in human health."1
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"Until I saw the video [4-D ultrasound] of Katy at 20 weeks old, I could not relate to this lump growing inside me enough to want to give up my cigarettes. But as soon as I saw the beautiful pictures of my daughter, it felt criminal to do anything which might cause her harm. I stopped smoking straight away, gave up my glasses of wine and concentrated on making myself as healthy as possible to give Katy the best possible start in life."
Unfortunately, most people are unaware of this link and do not fully appreciate the fragile nature of a developing baby. As a result, many women continue harmful behaviors such as drinking and smoking during pregnancy. This leads to lifelong health problems for many children.
The good news is that these problems can be improved or prevented by changing perceptions and behaviors through effective education. Thanks to successful public health efforts, some progress has already been made. In spite of this progress, however, many men and women continue engaging in unhealthy behaviors. A new approach is needed.
Our Strategy: Make Pregnancy Real and Teach about "The Link"EHD uses rare prenatal images to make pregnancy real in everyone's minds. Changing the way people visualize pregnancy changes the way they behave toward pregnancy and toward pregnant women [see sidebar]. It also motivates them to learn about "The Link" and make healthier choices regarding pregnancy.
Out of all chronic diseases, asthma is the most common reason that kids are absent from school. It afflicts 100,000 Americans per year. Researchers have found that kids may be at a higher risk for childhood asthma by the age of five if their mothers did not have enough vitamin E during pregnancy. Low intakes of zinc and vitamin D during pregnancy are also associated with a higher risk of asthma in children.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is the term used to describe the many types of problems associated with alcohol use during pregnancy. Problems that may occur include cognitive impairment, behavioral problems, facial deformities, impaired growth, inability to live alone, and more. Complications range from mild to severe. Alcohol use during pregnancy is the only cause. FASDs are 100% preventable by avoiding alcohol during pregnancy.
For a long time, prematurity has been one of the most challenging problems in medicine. Children born prematurely (earlier than 34 weeks after conception) are at risk for a variety of medical and emotional complications. They also face a higher risk of learning disabilities.
Researchers recently reported on a large group of women who took folic acid supplements for one year prior to conception. They enjoyed a 70% reduction in the incidence of severe prematurity (less than 26 weeks postconception) and a 50% reduction in moderately severe prematurity (26 to 28 weeks postconception).
Prenatal factors can contribute to obesity. Babies exposed to tobacco during pregnancy are more likely to develop obesity as early as age three. Poor growth inside the womb and/or exposure to alcohol during pregnancy may also increase the risk. Avoiding tobacco and alcohol during pregnancy and eating a healthy diet lower the risk of obesity as well as many other conditions!
Diabetes is a serious disease present in epidemic proportions around the world. Although there is a genetic component, smoking during pregnancy raises the baby's risk of diabetes later in life.
Babies with impaired growth in the womb are also more likely to develop diabetes starting in adolescence. They are also more likely to develop cardiovascular disease and a variety of other conditions. (Breastfeeding and vitamin D supplements after birth reportedly help decrease the risk.)
