With having a family, there is a lot to consider when it comes to your child's health, nutritional and physical wellbeing. This starts when you are expecting and lasts long into their young lives. So, it is understandable that you can feel overwhelmed when you have to make choices to ensure you give your child the best care from the start.

Protecting the good health of mother and child

Cost is often the first factor that can come in the way of adequate care during pregnancy or in a child's first years. And it is no wonder, when you consider the bill for healthcare alone during a a healthy pregnancy and birth can be more than R120 000 - and this increases when there are risk factors or complications.

As you have experienced, there are also many other healthcare needs in the first two years of a child's life. These costs of medical care, including GP and specialist visits, can easily add up to R80 000.

Why caring for mother and child in the first 1 000 days is so crucial

Taking care of your body and mind during pregnancy is the foundation to a healthy pregnancy. Everything you do during your pregnancy can influence how it progresses, the type of labour you experience and, ultimately, the health of your child.

While womens' bodies were made for pregnancy and most progress perfectly, regular check ups during pregnancy and after giving birth have numerous benefits for the family:

You can take action as soon as you identify a problem. Around the world, there is still a high death rate among pregnant women who do not get proper care. Visiting your midwife or doctor regularly can help identify any pregnancy risks, like low birth weight of your baby, and pregnancy-related diabetes or high blood pressure.

You can make the necessary changes to your lifestyle and diet. While pregnant, your body's needs change. Maintaining healthy weight gain, foods to avoid and supplementation are all part of the advice you receive for a healthy pregnancy. You can decide to have a flu vaccination for protection against influenza because medicine use, unless prescribed and monitored, is not always recommended. Safe exercise and your general mental health will also be discussed as your pregnancy progresses to make sure you remain well. It also helps to identify any early warning signs of physical and emotional fatigue.

You will see how your baby is growing and get appropriate tests. How your baby is developing is a major indicator of how well he or she is doing. There are standard blood and other tests you will need during every stage of pregnancy. Depending on your medical history and age, tests like an amniosintecis may also be ordered to determine the risk for genetic abnormalities. Generally, additional tests will only be done when there is a clear risk to your pregnancy or baby.

You build a relationship with your doctor or care giver. This is important in deciding how and where your baby will be delivered. You will have all the information you need to decide on a birth plan that considers any risk factors to a healthy delivery or even the possible early birth of your baby.

You are at your best and keep your baby healthy. Following the birth, you need to keep up the recommended follow-up visits for you and your baby. These generally happen at around six weeks after the birth. Having support with monitoring your health and wellbeing and how your baby is growing is important for future health. Deciding on vaccinations and learning as much as you can about what your baby or toddler needs to stay healthy, are part of the support your healthcare team will provide.

Monitoring your child's health

Your chosen health plan offers you cover for your child's GP visits and other check ups. Take a look at the extra cover you have. MultiChoice Medical Aid Scheme's Maternity Benefit, for example, pays for GP or specialist visits until your child turns two. There are many services, including dietitians, your GP, clinics and other sources of information that will guide you to the necessary vaccinations and health checks your child needs at every age. Keeping an eye on how your child is growing, their dental health, their activity levels and what they eat is all part of raising a healthy child with an awareness of health and wellness.

So, if you're planning on growing your family this year or want to make sure you make the best choices for your child's health, take a look at your health plan and how the cover you have will support your healthcare needs every step of the way.