Is there really ever a “perfect time” to have a baby? Probably not. But there IS the right time to get you and your body healthy before you become pregnant!
momstown moms know that being a parent means doing anything and everything for your child. Being a parent starts at the very beginning- and even before that. Health Canada recommends all women who could become pregnant as well as those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, take a multi-vitamin containing at least 0.4 mg of folic acid every day. If a woman is planning a baby or actively trying to conceive, it is recommended that she speak to her doctor about taking a prenatal vitamin with higher levels of folic acid and iron, like Nestlé Materna, at least 12 weeks before becoming pregnant.
Did you know that taking a multivitamin or prenatal vitamin with folic acid of at least 0.4 mg can greatly reduce your baby's chances of having neural tube defects (NTDs)? NTDs occur very early on in pregnancy and can lead to abnormalities of the skull, brain and spinal cord. In Canada, the most common of these abnormalities affects the spinal cord – a condition known as spina bifida.
Be Prepared BEFORE You Start Trying
The new Nestlé Materna Prenatal Poll shows the majority of Canadian women (91%) know pregnant women should take a daily multi-vitamin containing folic acid. Yet, only 55 per cent said women should only take folic acid when they are trying to get pregnant. This is an alarming trend because half of all pregnancies are unplanned and even for planned pregnancies, women often don’t know they are pregnant until they’ve missed their period, which is at least four weeks into their pregnancy. This means that they also miss the most crucial time to take folic acid to help prevent neural tube defects (NTDs).
Second and Third Pregnancies
Pregnant with your second or third baby? Remember, you need to take a prenatal vitamin before and during every pregnancy. Canadian women are dramatically more precautious and take better care of themselves during their first pregnancy compared to later pregnancies – even when it comes to something as important as taking a prenatal vitamin.
Breastfeeding Moms
Don't stop taking your prenatal vitamin when the baby is born. A multi-vitamin like Nestlé Materna, can provide the necessary iron to prevent iron deficiency, and calcium and vitamin D to help meet a breastfeeding woman's needs.
To learn more about the importance of vitamins for you and your baby visit NestleBaby.ca. Women can learn more about the pre-natal and post-natal care at NestléBaby.ca and materna.ca. The Nestle Baby Program provides information on maternal nutrition, nursing tips, and health and wellness during pregnancy and beyond.
