18/06/2026
👶🏻Congenital anomalies (when a baby develops limbs or organs differently from what is expected) can affect individuals, families, friends, and entire communities, but no one has to face this journey alone.
Support, care, and the right information can make all the difference, and SidebySide is here for you!
💙 A healthy pregnancy starts even before conception. One important step is taking folic acid, which helps prevent certain congenital anomalies of the brain and spine. Many mothers miss out because they do not attend antenatal care visits as soon as they discover they are pregnant.
🧑🧒🧒At home, families can support mothers by encouraging a healthy, folate-rich diet. Foods such as spinach, kale, lentils, chickpeas, asparagus, citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, and ox liver are excellent sources of folate that can help support a healthy pregnancy.
🏥It’s also important for parents to know that newborn babies should be screened early, so they can receive the care or treatment they may need as soon as possible.
💬It all starts with asking questions, seeking support, and equipping ourselves with the right information.
👩🏾⚕️From planning for pregnancy to attending your first antenatal visit, don’t be afraid to speak to your nurse or healthcare provider; they are there to guide and support you every step of the way.
For more information, visit: https://www.health.gov.za/momconnect/
https://www.cdc.gov/folic-acid/about/index.html
National Department of Health (South Africa)