LIFESTYLE NEWS - Pregnancy is an exciting time which brings hormone surges, body changes and increased responsibility.
During pregnancy education week runs - 18 to 26 February - the spotlight falls on the first 1000 days in a child's development.
Starting from conception and moving through pregnancy, birth, and the first two years of life, the first 1000 days are crucial for securing a child's bright future.
Research indicates that both the physical and mental development of infants happen rapidly during the 1000-day period, and the right care and nutrition during this time help to:
- develop the brain,
- fuel physical growth,
- build up a strong immune system,
- improve school readiness and educational achievement, and
- reduce risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease later in life.
Health and nutrition: Your lifestyle; the things you eat and drink, can effect mom and baby. It's very important not to smoke, drink alcohol or do drugs if you may be expecting a baby or are currently breastfeeding.
Love and attention: Both mom and baby need the support and love of fathers, families and the community.
Play and stimulation: Babies have a need for learning as well as the protection of a safe environment – talk to your baby and play with him/her. Protect your baby from harm, stress and neglect.
"It is important to visit the clinic as soon as you suspect that you are pregnant," says Nadia Ferreira, spokesperson, WCHD Eden and Central Karoo Districts. She also urgers women to register with MomConnect, a free sms service which provides information and advice on pregnancy and the first year in baby's life. Through MomConnect all registered women will receive sms messages appropriate to their stage of pregnancy and beyond.
Ask your health care worker to assist you with registration at your first visit.
- Substance abuse: 0800 220 250
- Violence and abuse: SMS INFO to 35395
- Finding a registered ECD Centre: 0800 220 250
- Health Hotline (for information or complaints): Call 0860 142 142 or send a Please Call Me to 079 769 1207
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