Advantages of Prenatal Care and Breastfeeding

The old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is particularly relevant to when applied to preventive measures taken during pregnancy, when a few extra ounces of birth weight can save a child’s life. During pregnancy, simple precautions can help avoid catastrophic results; giving up tobacco use, for instance, drastically reduces the risk of miscarriage and pre-term labor.

The March of Dimes reports that if all women took adequate folic acid before conception and during pregnancy, the number of babies born with a neural tube defect could drop by as much as 70 percent. The physical and emotional benefits of proper prenatal care to a mother and child are underscored by a strong business case for offering prenatal wellness benefits. Nationwide’s Chief Medical Director, Dr. Michael Moore, estimates costs to care for one baby delivered prematurely could approach $500,000.

First steps in fostering a prenatal program:
1. Invite the March of Dimes to present information about prenatal health at an employee brownbag lunch or breakfast meeting.
2. Hold prenatal care information classes for interested staff members at lunchtime.
3. Offer educational materials about the effects of alcohol, drugs and tobacco use on an unborn child.
4. Offer incentives for adopting healthy lifestyles during pregnancy.
5. Offer prenatal programs and education as part of the business health care package.