In August 2017, the March of Dimes Foundation conducted an online survey titled Prenatal Health and Nutrition that stated that women of childbearing age need more education to ensure their own health and that of their babies both before and during pregnancy. The survey concluded that only 34 percent of women and 10 percent of African American women said they started taking prenatal vitamins or multivitamins before they knew they were pregnant. March of Dimes Foundation President Stacey D. Stewart is working on a project to educate more women of the benefits of taking prenatal vitamins while they are in their childbearing years to ensure a healthy pregnancy once they become pregnant.
“Taking a prenatal vitamin containing 400 micrograms of folic acid every day before pregnancy can prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spine. Nearly 70 percent of those birth defects could be prevented if women took vitamins prior to pregnancy,” says Stewart.
Multivitamins and prenatal vitamins containing folic acid are very safe and effective, according to Stewart. All nutrients are important, but folic acid, iron, calcium, vitamin D, and iodine are just some of the nutrients that play a key role in your baby’s healthy growth and development during pregnancy. Taking a daily prenatal vitamin supplement helps make up for certain nutrients that your body can’t make on its or that you may not get in sufficient amounts in the foods you eat.
To help better educate women of childbearing age, families, and healthcare professionals, the March of Dimes Foundation is implementing new social media campaigns. Also now available are websites in English at marchofdimes.org and in Spanish at nacersano.org to help women better understand the things they can do to reduce risk and to help ensure a full-term, healthy pregnancy and baby.
Stewart states, “It’s also essential that our health care system ensures access to high quality care for pregnant women, moms and babies, and that health information is culturally appropriate.”
According to survey results found by the Foundation, women don’t know enough about when to take multivitamins, the recommended nutrients, and the amount that is needed. Many women think they are getting appropriate amounts of vitamins in the foods they eat, but research tells us that is often not the case.
Taking multivitamins are necessary and essential. It’s important for all women capable of having a baby to have adequate amounts of folic acid in their body. Most multivitamins have this amount, but check the label to be sure. When you know you are pregnant, that amount should shift to 600 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily. Your doctor can prescribe a prenatal vitamin, or you can get prenatal vitamins over-the-counter without a prescription. Over-the-counter and prescription prenatal vitamins often contain the same ingredients but to be sure ask your doctor about the nutrients recommended for you and your baby.
We encourage women to have open and honest dialogues with their doctors and nurses about pregnancy health and to know that they can begin to ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby even before they become pregnant.
By subscribing, you consent to receive emails from BlackDoctor.com. You may unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy & Terms of Service.
