Good prenatal care supports healthy birth weights and reduces pre-term births, resulting in less health issues for babies. Adequate prenatal care is important to the health of both mothers and their babies. It has a positive effect on birth weight, full-term delivery, and the overall health of babies at birth and beyond. “Regular prenatal care helps you and your health provider monitor how your pregnancy is going. It also helps spot any potential health problems before they become serious. Some pregnant women may experience complications like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. But with regular and quality prenatal care, you’ll be better able to manage any health issues that may come up.” (March of Dimes).

The combination of healthy eating and physical activity are essential to a child’s overall health and development. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “healthy eating and regular physical activity can prevent many chronic conditions.” The CDC also notes that “unfortunately, few Americans make healthy food choices on a regular basis and many do not get enough physical activity to receive health benefits.”

In addition, research has shown that children who are physically active have higher academic achievements, lower BMI and less disease. Long-term effects of childhood obesity are well-documented, including increased risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke and cancer. Illness, often caused and spread by improper or lack of hand-washing, can result in school absences.