From philosophers in the ancient world to modern scientists, people have debated whether nature or nurture is more important in child rearing. That is, does the genetic heritage of a child matter as much as the environment in which they are raised? The nature and nurture debate still continues, but modern research most often recognizes that both are important. In addition, the modern field of epigenetics shows that the expression of genes depends on environment — so nature and nurture are inextricably intertwined.
Prenatal care is the first form of nurture
John Locke claimed that an infant was a “blank slate” and that the child’s experiences and upbringing imprinted its character on that blank slate. Modern science disagrees. In addition to the genetic information present in DNA, a newborn baby is strongly affected by its environment before he or she is born.
Here’s where prenatal care can make an enormous difference. For birth parents considering adoption, it’s essential to recognize that the way you care for the baby before birth is as important as part of your legacy to the child as your genes are.
For would-be adoptive parents working with an expectant mom, supporting her prenatal care is an equally important part of your legacy to the child. It’s your first opportunity to nurture your child.
Effects of prenatal care
Research shows that doing without prenatal care can have serious effects:
- Increased chance of premature birth, leading to risks for developmental delays, breathing problems, infections, and feeding problems.
- Low birth weight, increasing risks for the issues listed above as well as for ADHD and other neurological issues, chronic diseases, and behavioral problems. Pre-term births often go hand in hand with low-weight births.
- Complications during pregnancy and birth. Without early intervention, these can lead to serious problems. This is a primary reason that a lack of prenatal care is associated with increased maternal and infant mortality.
The other side of the coin is that prenatal care helps moms and babies:
- Opportunities to help expectant moms make good lifestyle choices during pregnancy.
- Opportunities to identify problems early enough to implement solutions.
- Likelihood of better nutrition and sufficient iron intake for normal development.
- Emotional support for the expectant mom.
- Preparation for labor and delivery.
- Stronger development and fewer complications, resulting in lower total healthcare costs.
How to get the benefits
It’s extremely important that expectant moms get prenatal care as early as possible, whether they’re considering adoption or parenting — or haven’t yet decided. An accidental pregnancy can make it harder to get prenatal care early. Studies have found that single women are less likely to get prenatal care than married ones, sometimes because they don’t realize they are pregnant and sometimes because they lack support.
Would-be adoptive parents can help to provide the support that can make a difference.
Everyone in the adoption journey has a role to play in prenatal care, the earliest opportunity to nurture the precious new life.
Heimer Law is committed to supporting you through your adoption journey. Call (479) 225.9725 or fill out our simple form.
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