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Preventing health problems

Preventing health problems during pregnancy and early childhood

Taking folic acid and multivitamins

A healthy diet and vitamin supplements contribute to the optimal development of the baby’s spine and brain.

It is recommended that persons who are pregnant, are planning to become pregnant and or are breastfeeding eat foods rich in folic acid (for example legumes, green vegetables, enriched flour, eggs and citrus fruits) as well as foods rich in choline (for example meat and egg yolks). However, the intake of these nutriments often proves insufficient. Healthcare professionals will recommand that you take a multivitamin supplement containing folic avid, vitamin B12 and iron.

If you plan on becoming pregnant, the best time to optimize your food intake and to start taking vitamins is three months before conception. Ask a healthcare professional to determine the vitamin dosage that suits you best. Some people have personal or family history that requires them to take a high dosage at the beginning of pregnancy. You should take vitamins throughout pregnancy, up to 4 to 6 weeks after giving birth (if not breastfeeding) or up to the end of breastfeeding. You should not take more than 1 mg of folic acid per day beyond the 12th week of pregnancy.

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Alcohol during pregnancy and breastfeeding

General notice

This section is under review.

Alcohol consumption can affect fetal development, particularly of the brain.

It is recommended to avoid all alcohol throughout the trimesters of pregnancy, and while breastfeeding, given that no safe level of drinking alcohol has been established.

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Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is beneficial to the health of the child and the mother. It is an economical, ecological and safe feeding method. Breast milk is always available at the right temperature and contains all the nutrients essential to the baby’s development. It is easy to digest and always adapts to the child’s needs.

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended during the first six months of a child’s life and may continue until two years of age and beyond, with the addition of supplementary foods. You may benefit from group prenatal meetings or breastfeeding preparation meetings after the birth free of charge (ex., in your local community services centre (CLSC)). These meetings provide you and your family members with support in preparing for, starting and continuing breastfeeding. You can talk to a health professional about your use of tobacco, alcohol, cannabis or other psychoactive substances that can be harmful to you or your child. The health professional will also be able to check whether there are any risks in your work environment during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

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Blood and urine screening in newborns

Blood and urine screening for newborns enables the earliest detection possible of rare diseases, some of which may not yet be apparent at birth. These diseases must be treated rapidly to prevent serious or permanent consequences which in some cases pose a threat to the child’s life. Early treatment helps improve the health and quality of life of the majority of children affected.

Blood and urine screening is offered to all babies born in Québec. It is recommended that you participate in screening, although you are not obliged to do so. If you aren’t sure whether to have your baby tested, talk it over with a healthcare professional who will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of screening with you.

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Sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections during pregnancy

Most of the time, people with sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) present no particular signs of symptoms. However, STBBIs can have a significant impact on the course of the pregnancy and childbirth. Moreover, there is a risk of infecting the fetus during pregnancy or the infant during childbirth.

To reduce the risks associated with STBBIs, a healthcare professional will evaluate your sexual health during prenatal monitoring and determine whether there are any risk factors. The professional will inform you about safe behaviour, offer you screening for certain STBBIs and may recommend vaccines (ex., vaccines against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, the human papillomavirus (HPV) and the mpox (monkeypox) virus). As needed, he will offer you preventive treatment if you have been exposed to an STBBI.

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Prevention of neonatal conjunctivitis

Certain sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) can be transmitted during childbirth sometimes causing severe infections in the infant, such as neonatal conjunctivitis.

To prevent neonatal conjunctivitis, an antibiotic ointment is applied in the baby’s eyes during the first hours after birth.

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Protection against ultraviolet rays during pregnancy and early childhood

People who are considering pregnancy, who are pregnant or who are breast-feeding should protect themselves during exposure to the sun by frequently applying sunscreen. Sunscreens with mineral UV filters containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are safe. During outdoor activities, they should choose shady spots or protect themselves with an umbrella, wear a wide-brimmed hat and long clothing.

The skin and eyes of young children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Protect children under 6 months of age by putting them in the shade or under a sunshade. Dress them in a wide-brimmed hat and clothing that covers the arms and legs providing effective sun protection. Don’t seat a child facing the sun in summer as in winter. Sunscreens are not recommended at this age.

For children aged 6 months to 2 years, exposure to the sun between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. should be avoided. Choose locations in the shade or protect children with a sunshade, wide-brimmed hat and clothing that covers the arms and legs providing effective sun protection. If exposure to the sun cannot be avoided, apply sunscreen. The first time, test the sunscreen on a small surface of the skin to detect a possible allergic reaction. Ensure that the sunscreen is applied 30 minutes before exposure, then reapply every two hours, after swimming or after intense physical effort. The sunscreen must be rated SPF 30 or higher. Sunglasses are optional but must have “100% UV protection” or “UV 400”.

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Buccodental health during pregnancy and early childhood

Tooth decay is caused by sugars in food and bacteria in the mouth. It affects a large majority of the population. Preventing tooth decay is important for pregnant people, those who are planning to become pregnant and for children under the age of two.

A dental exam is recommended before or at the start of pregnancy to reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy.

To help your newborn's jaws develop properly, give preference to breastfeeding from birth, and clean their gums every day with a clean, damp cloth wrapped around your finger.

The first teeth usually start around 6 months of age. However, they can appear earlier or later, even up to 12 months of age. When teething:

  • offer your child a clean, damp, cold washcloth to chew on;
  • if you use a teething ring, make sure it's polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-free and approved by Health Canada. Refrigerate the ring if desired, but don't freeze it, your child could injure their mouth;
  • rub gums with a clean finger;
  • give acetaminophen, a painkiller, if necessary.

After the first tooth appears:

  • promote healthy eating habits to prevent tooth decay:
    • avoid letting your child drink from a bottle over a long period of time if the bottle contains anything other than water,
    • don't let your child sleep with a bottle, whatever it contains,
    • between meals, make water the drink of choice This hyperlink will open in a new window.,
    • do not dip the pacifier in honey, corn syrup or any other sweet product,
    • limit pacifier use;
  • brush the baby’s teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste;
  • schedule a dental exam at 1 year (about 6 months after the first teeth appear) and at least once a year thereafter, or as recommended by the dentist;
  • avoid exposing the child to bacteria from the saliva of an adult and other children (do not share toothbrushes, do not hold the pacifier in your mouth, etc.);
  • stop using the bottle when the child is around 1 year old;
  • once a month, check your child’s teeth for early signs of tooth decay.
Dents en santé

Healthy teeth

Dents avec début de carie indiqué par les lignes blanchâtres le long de la gencive

Teeth with onset of decay indicated by whitish areas along the gum line

Dents cariées avec taches brunâtres ou petits trous

Decayed teeth with brownish spots or small holes

For effective toothbrushing:

  • choose a toothbrush adapted to the age of your child. The toothbrush must have soft bristles to avoid causing injury to the gums and a rounded head to reach all the teeth;
  • brush your child’s teeth yourself;
  • use a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride makes teeth more resistant and reduces the action of bacteria that cause tooth decay. Keep the toothpaste out of reach of children. The toothpaste must be applied by an adult;
  • use a portion of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice;
  • do not ask the child to rinse his mouth after brushing to prolong the protection of his teeth against decay.

Portion of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice

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Smoking during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Smoking and second-hand smoke during pregnancy and breastfeeding increase the risk of harmful effects for pregnant people or people who are planning to become pregnant, for people who are breastfeeding, for the fetus and for other family members. Because their lungs are developing, babies and young children are particularly vulnerable to second-hand smoke.

The nicotine present in tobacco and in most vaping products can create dependence. Moreover, the long-term effects of vaping products on health are not yet known.

To reduce the risks associated with tobacco and vaping products, a health professional can assess your smoking history. This professional can also offer you interventions to help you stop smoking and reduce your exposure to second-hand smoke.

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Vaccination during pregnancy and early childhood

Several serious diseases can be avoided through vaccination (ex., diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, measles, the flu, COVID-19, etc.). Vaccines not only protect the vaccinated person but also limit the spread of diseases in the community.

People who are planning to become pregnant, are pregnant or who are breastfeeding are more vulnerable to certain diseases, including whooping cough, hepatitis B, the flu, COVID-19, measles, rubella and mumps. They should update their vaccines.

Children under the age of 2 should receive all the recommended vaccine doses on the immunization schedule.

People living in the same household as a pregnant person or newborn should also update their vaccines.

Consult a health professional to find out which vaccines are recommended for you or your child, especially if you have not received any vaccines or if your vaccinations are not up to date.

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Last update: March 25, 2024

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