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Starting a Family: Pre-Pregnancy Stage

In this episode of the Health Matters at Work video podcast series, our host Jerry Franz sat down with representatives of three of Community Health Charities’ member charities to discuss a topic of common interest, pregnancy planning. The panel includes:

• Donna Dei RN, MSN – State Director of Program Services, March of Dimes Foundation
• Mary Lou Ballweg – President/Executive Director, Endometriosis Association
• Lea Ann McNee – Deputy Director, Mental Health Association of Maryland (a chapter of Mental Health America)

For many women, planning their pregnancy is one of the most exciting and happiest times of their lives. For others, it can be a stressful and confusing time. In fact, half of U.S. pregnancies are not planned at all. Regardless of the circumstances, one of the most important things women can do is to prepare their bodies and minds for optimal health during their childbearing years (age 15-44).

Physical preparation for pregnancy is not often thought of, especially among young people. They seldom realize that all of their health habits up until conception can have an impact on the embryo and can determine future health risks. For example, exposure to dioxins and pesticides in utero can affect the baby’s future reproductive health and their offspring. Additionally, conditions such as diabetes and asthma must be kept under control to keep babies healthy.

Mental health preparation is just as important. If at all possible, women should be sure that they are emotionally and financially ready for pregnancy before it happens. After all, emotional and mental health can affect the physical health of mothers and their babies. Depression can begin during pregnancy and can keep a woman from getting the proper prenatal care and using healthy habits. One of the best things women can do for themselves is to ensure they have a support team of friends, family and medical professionals, such as an OB/GYN and even a Psychiatrist or Social Worker if necessary.

Please watch this enlightening podcast to learn what the March of Dimes, Endometriosis Association and Mental Health America are doing to encourage and support women before, during and after pregnancy.

About March of Dimes Foundation
The March of Dimes Foundation is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

About Endometriosis Association
The Endometriosis Association was the first organization in the world created for those with endometriosis. As an independent self-help organization of women with endometriosis, doctors and others interested in the disease, it is a recognized authority in its field whose goal is to work toward finding a cure for the disease as well as providing education, support and research.

About Mental Health America
Mental Health America (formerly known as the National Mental Health Association) is the country’s leading nonprofit dedicated to helping ALL people live mentally healthier lives. With our more than 320 affiliates nationwide, we represent a growing movement of Americans who promote mental wellness for the health and well-being of the nation – everyday and in times of crisis.

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About the Health Matters at Work® Video Podcast Series
Community Health Charities is pleased to offer its video podcast series featuring more than 60 of the nation’s most respected health charities together to talk about the major health issues facing more than 133 million American affected by a disability or chronic disease.

About the host, Jerry Franz
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