Getting Your Baby Off to the Right Start
  Contributed by: Gail Barrett, Pharm.D. Candidate
                        KU School of Pharmacy

It's what many couples dream of: hearing the news that they are going to be parents.  It is easy to get swept up in the excitement of a baby.  There are so many toys and clothes out there to buy!  But what about making the right health choices?  Just like with everything else in life there are dos and don'ts with pregnancy.

The first step, as soon as you find out you are pregnant is to call your doctor.  Many doctors do not want to see you until you are about 7 weeks along, but this doesn't mean the life changes should wait until then.  Starting a daily vitamin is a must.  Pregnant women require different vitamins and minerals than normal.  Make sure the vitamin has at least 400 micrograms of folic acid.  Lack of folic acid can cause defects in the spine and brain of the baby.  Most prescription vitamins have 1 milligram (mg) of folic acid; while over the counter vitamins have 800 micrograms.  Iron is another element to look for in a vitamin.  Twenty-seven milligrams is the suggested amount and helps prevent anemia, low birth weight, and premature labor.  The newest nutrient that has been recognized as essential for pregnancy is Omega 3

fatty acids.  These have been shown to help build the central nervous system of the baby.  They have been also shown to reduce preeclampsia, postpartum depression, and preterm labor in mothers.  It has been suggested that mothers take in at least 250 milligrams of Omega 3 a day.  The vitamin should also contain everyday nutrients found of regular multivitamins.

If you are a smoker you should quit smoking.  Smoking while pregnant can cause low birth weight and preterm delivery.  These can lead to serious health problems as the baby is developing and can even lead to death.  A new study also suggests that smoking can increase a baby's risk for congenital heart defects.  Smoking can also lead to serious complications during pregnancy such as placental abruption (the placenta pulls away from the uterine wall before delivery).  There are several ways to help women quit smoking.  You can try to quit cold turkey, or do it gradually, but remember that if you are not completely smoke free it will do you no good.  There are also nicotine replacement methods.  Although nicotine has not been shown to be completely safe in pregnancy, it is

safer than smoking.  Zyban and Chantix, both prescription drugs could help as well.  There safety is not known and they each carry a pregnancy rating of a C (meaning there have been no studies done in women).  This would be an issue you would need to discuss with your doctor.  Secondhand smoke should be avoided as well.  Women who come into contact with secondhand smoke regularly have also been shown to have a lower birth rates and higher incidences of premature births.