We also offer advice on prenatal planning. Ideally all women should receive this information before planning a pregnancy. However if you are the mother of a ‘special’ child already or have a family history suggesting high risk of having a special child it is vital to ensure that you are in optimal health prior to conception. Having had a third child after my sons diagnosis and knowing the increased risks of him having an autism spectrum disorder I understand how hard a decision it can be to have another child. I can offer advice as to how to maximise your personal health prior to or during any pregnancy.
But it’s not just about special needs. All women planning a pregnancy (or already pregnant) should aim to optimise their nutritional status. This not only benefits their health but also that of their offspring.
For example did you know that :
- 66% of pregnant women in the UK are iodine deficient
- 90% of pregnant women take less than the recommended daily intake of Omega’s 3
- 50% of women of child bearing age take less than the recommended daily amount of zinc
- 30% of pregnant women are iron deficient
These nutritional deficiencies have significant effects on both mum and babies health:
- Even mild iodine deficiency in pregnancy causes impaired cognition in the infant. Iodine is critical for brain development.
- Omega 3 deficiency in pregnancy affects babies motor and cognitive development
- Zinc deficiency during pregnancy also affects neuro-behavioral development
- Iron deficiency also affects higher cognitive functions such as memory
These are just a few examples. Here at Special Kids Medical Clinic we hope to give all women optimal nutritional support so both they and baby have a healthy, happy pregnancy.
Also check out a recent article on gestational (pregnancy) diabetes – a condition I’ve personal experience with: http://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/healthandlife/parenting/taking-control-ofdiabetes-during-pregnancy-351910.html