"Life, Health, Family - Stay Well Ahead"

Becoming pregnant can be one of the most exciting times in a woman’s life. I know that from first-hand experience, both as the mother of four children and an obstetrician for more than 15 years.

One of the things I stress to new patients is the importance of eating a balanced diet. After all, a pregnant woman is eating for herself and her new baby. And since, with our busy lives, it is sometimes difficult for some women to get enough of the crucial vitamins and minerals in their diets, obstetricians usually recommend prenatal vitamins. These are specially formulated multivitamins that provide nutrients that may be missing in the mother–to-be’s diet.

Available over the counter, a prenatal vitamin should include folic acid (helps to prevent birth defects), calcium (helps the nervous, muscular and circulatory systems stay healthy  and prevents a mother’s bones from losing calcium to the growing baby) and DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid that helps to support the development and function of the baby’s brain and eyes).

I will be writing periodically about topics of interest to pregnant families as well as those who are thinking about becoming pregnant. Some of the subjects we are thinking about are:

• Taking medicines during pregnancy
• Stress and pregnancy
• Multiple gestation
• Diabetes and pregnancy
• Gaining weight during pregnancy

Let us know if there are any topics you would like to see discussed.

ABOUT DR. KUROKI

Helen Kuroki, MD, received her medical degree and completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Pennsylvania. She has been on the Riddle Hospital staff since 1999. At Riddle, in addition to seeing patients and delivering babies, she serves as the Vice President of Medical Affairs.