P R E G N A N C Y
Did you know that a healthy pregnancy starts before conception? Taking care of your physical, emotional and mental health in advance, gives you the best chance for a healthy pregnancy and your baby the best possible start to life. With the right preparation, knowledge and support, you create the best possible environment for a healthy, happy pregnancy and beyond.
HAVE A PRE-CONCEPTION CHECK-UP
Knowing where you stand before falling pregnant allows you to:
• Review chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, thyroid issues or epilepsy. South African women suffer high rates of undiagnosed health issues. Diabetes is the number one cause of death among South Africa women and hypertension is the leading cause of maternal death in South Africa. Effectively managing chronic diseases is crucial for a healthier pregnancy and can reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery and improve the chances of a healthy baby
• Discuss any medications and supplements you’ re taking to ensure they are safe for pregnancy
• Update vaccinations including rubella, hepatitis B and flu
• Learn your HIV status. South Africa has a high HIV prevalence, so knowing your status is crucial. If you’ re HIV-positive, getting onto antiretroviral treatment( ART) before pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission
TAKE FOLIC ACID AND IRON SUPPLEMENTS Start taking 400 – 1000 micrograms of folic acid daily at least one to three months before trying to conceive. This vitamin helps prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spine, such as spina bifida. In South Africa, folic acid is available at pharmacies, public clinics or can be prescribed by your doctor.
Almost 30 % of women between the ages of 15 and 49 experience iron deficiency anaemia. Iron is crucial for building red blood cells, the cells responsible for carrying oxygen around your body. During pregnancy, the amount of blood in your body doubles, which means you need more iron to make the extra red blood cells for you and your baby. Most pregnant women need about 30 mg of elemental iron per day to meet the new demands.
MANAGE YOUR WEIGHT AND NUTRITION Did you know that maintaining a healthy weight improves your chances of conception? A healthy weight also lowers your pregnancy complications. Things to focus on include:
• A balanced diet: Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats
• Limiting sugar and processed foods to reduce your risk of gestational diabetes
• Eating iron-rich foods like beans, spinach and lean meat to prevent anaemia, which is common among South African women
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Bonitas Member Magazine Issue 3 / 2025