Avoid birth defects: get healthy before getting pregnant
Setting up a nursery, finding a pediatrician, picking out a name — planning for a new baby is a lot of work. But don't forget what's most important: a healthy, full-term pregnancy. About one in 28 babies is born with birth defects each year.* The cause is usually unknown or unavoidable. But you can reduce the risk of birth defects, even before you're pregnant, by taking these steps:

Take your vitamins
Gather a family health history
Discuss wellness with your doctor
Become an expert on expecting
Plan for baby's benefits, too

Take your vitamins
You've probably heard that a B vitamin called folic acid reduces the risk of brain and spine defects like spina bifida. But did you know these conditions usually develop in the early weeks of pregnancy, not long after conception? By the time you realize you're pregnant, you've missed a great chance to protect your baby.

That's why the March of Dimes recommends that all women who could become pregnant take a daily multivitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid. Once your pregnancy is confirmed, your doctor may recommend increasing your daily intake of folic acid. While more women are aware of folic acid's benefits, only a third of American women of childbearing age take a multivitamin with folic acid daily.** It's an easy way to make a big difference in your baby's health, so make it a habit today.

Gather a family health history
Children can inherit genetic conditions even if both parents appear healthy. A little research can help you find out about genetic birth defects on both sides of the family tree. Each parent should collect a family medical history for as many generations back as you can. Include:

• Birth dates
• Health conditions and age at diagnosis
• Treatments and surgeries
• Date of death
• Cause of death

If you find a history of genetic conditions, talk with your doctor about tests or screenings that could improve your chances of having a healthy baby. Also, a genetic counselor may be able to help. These health professionals provide information and support to families at risk for birth defects or other inherited conditions. They can help you analyze inheritance patterns, gather information, and review your options.

Discuss wellness with your doctor
A pre-pregnancy doctor's visit can help you understand health and lifestyle issues that could cause birth defects. Talk to your doctor about:

• Medical conditions — Controlling conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes improves your chances of having a healthy baby. Sometimes it's as simple as a few dietary changes - and you may find it easier to make those changes before you get pregnant. It's worth the effort - according to the March of Dimes, diabetic women who have their blood sugar levels well controlled before they get pregnant are almost as likely to have a healthy baby as women without diabetes.***
• Immunizations — If you aren't sure your immunizations are up to date, talk to your doctor. Pregnant women are at higher risk for complications from the flu, so a flu shot may be a good idea. If you weren't exposed to or vaccinated against chickenpox and rubella, talk to your doctor because these illnesses can cause birth defects. Though the risk is low, you might want to get vaccinated, instead of taking the chance. Just make sure to avoid getting pregnant for at least a month after you get a chickenpox or combination measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination.
• Alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs — If you smoke or use street drugs, quit today! Don't wait until you're pregnant - these substances can cause birth defects and other pregnancy complications from day one. Cut out or reduce alcohol consumption, too. According to the March of Dimes, even moderate or light drinking during pregnancy can pose a risk to the baby.*** And fetal alcohol syndrome, a condition common in babies whose mothers drink heavily during pregnancy, can cause lifelong mental and physical problems.
• Prescription and over-the-counter drugs — Some medications are associated with an increased risk of birth defects, so talk to your doctor if you're planning to get pregnant soon. Be sure to discuss herbs and supplements. And once you're pregnant, check with your doctor before taking any medication.

Become an expert on expecting
Once you're pregnant, nearly every woman you see will offer you advice — whether you ask for it or not! While family and friends can offer great support, be sure to get your medical information from reliable sources. Visit your doctor regularly and do your research. The health encyclopedia on MyHumana — your password-protected, personal home page on www.humana.com — contains lots of doctor-reviewed information about planning for a healthy pregnancy. Just log in to MyHumana and type "pregnancy" in the Health Resources search box.

Plan for baby's benefits, too
If someone on your health plan is expecting a baby, a few simple steps can save you money:

1. Talk with your employer. Look into the coverage levels available — such as family, employee plus children, etc. — and find out how adding a dependent to your plan will affect your premium.
2. Compare plans. If you're married and your spouse has a separate plan, decide which one to put the baby on. Compare premiums, out-of-pocket costs, and covered services.
3. Choose an in-network provider. Use Physician Finder Plus on www.humana.com to find a pediatrician in your plan's network. You'll save money because in-network providers charge less for Humana members.
4. Do a price check. Use the Financial Tools on MyHumana to see average childbirth costs and estimate your costs based on your plan's benefits. Click on "Estimate My Costs for Procedures," select "Pregnancy," and then choose "No surgery" (vaginal delivery) or "Surgery" (C-section).

And, of course, be sure to add your new bundle of joy to your plan! The sooner, the better — but it's best to do this no later than 31 days after delivery.

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Bottom Line:
Life gets busy when you're planning for a new baby. Find time to prepare for a healthy pregnancy above all else. Take advantage of every opportunity to educate yourself, so you can help give your baby a chance at a long and healthy life.

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Sources:
* March of Dimes Fact Sheet www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/4439_1206.asp
** March of Dimes Press Release www.marchofdimes.com/aboutus/14458_17299.asp
*** March of Dimes Perinatal Data Center. Maternal, Infant, and Child Health in the United States, 2001.

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