3.1 Advancing maternal and prenatal health
Investing in expectant mothers and their young children is a powerful equalizer and a key tool for economic and social stability” (Mustard, 2011, p. 7).
As you have seen throughout this module, at birth, the baby’s brain has already been influenced by the environment in the womb. For example, teratogens (environmental substances that can cause a birth defect or damage during the prenatal period), maternal stress, and maternal malnourishment are some of the factors that can influence the developing brain of the fetus. A discussion on healthy brain development must include ways to ensure that pregnant women have healthy prenatal experiences.
Focusing on the prenatal stage is an important part of providing a healthy foundation for societal health and well being. Dr. David Butler-Jones, the former Chief Public Health Officer for Canada, discusses the need to consider health before individuals even conceive:
If you work with children and families you may have opportunities to provide information and answer questions about health, growth and development. The information you provide must be accurate. The readings below from Abilio are very good examples of resources targeted to parents.
When working with families, parents and/or parents to be, professionals should have a clear understanding of factors that might affect each family and their approach to family life. For example, are there traditional teachings and practices to consider? Are there particular opportunities or challenges? The next reading discusses considerations related to parenting in First Nations communities. It refers to the cycle of life as a “sacred journey” and is organized in four phases: pre-conception, pregnancy, birth, and parenting. It includes information on historical factors and challenges, as well as suggestions and resources to support culturally sensitive services for First Nations families.
What are some ways you can have an impact on maternal and prenatal health in your life and/or in the work you do?
Are you in a position to promote awareness about the importance of health and well-being throughout pregnancy and the post-natal period?
Healthy prenatal experiences lay the foundation for healthy development for individuals and communities. On the next page, you will look at the need to pay close attention to how well individual children are developing.
