Birth defects affect a person at every stage of life, from infancy to adulthood. This January, join us in observing National Birth Defects Prevention Month, a time to acknowledge the complexity of birth and to create space to educate families about the best ways to make healthy choices to ensure their baby’s wellness.
It’s never too early to start learning about birth risks. Whether you or someone you know are starting a family, there is no shortage of knowledge to soak up and share with pregnant women and families that are planning ahead. Not all birth defects are preventable – for instance, certain health conditions, malformed kidneys, and Down syndrome cannot be detected during pregnancy and are difficult or impossible to prevent. However, with the right blend of healthy habits, medical attention, and awareness, the majority of birth defects can indeed be prevented.
Here are some tips for pregnant women and families:
- Take plenty of folic acid. Pregnant women need 400 micrograms of folic acid every day. This B vitamin is crucial for forming healthy cells in a baby’s spine and brain. Folic acid occurs naturally in certain foods, such as legumes, asparagus, eggs, and leafy greens. It can also be taken as a vitamin supplement and is best absorbed by the body when it is taken in combination with vitamin B12.
- Prevent and put a stop to infections. Infections are harmful during pregnancy, and viral infections can be among the most dangerous. Zika virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, can cause abnormalities in a fetus’ head and brain. Infections that occur due to food poisoning, unpasteurized foods, animal droppings from rodents or in cat litter, or contagious illnesses can all be harmful to a developing fetus. Pregnant women should seek vaccination when possible for common illnesses like the flu and should vaccinate themselves against COVID-19.
- Seek proper prenatal care. A pregnant woman can best address health issues for herself and her baby if she frequently communicates with a prenatal doctor. This doctor should be aware of any medications a woman takes, including vitamins and supplements. Doctors can also advise a pregnant woman about vaccines.
- Avoid unsafe substances. Alcohol poses a significant risk to a developing fetus – when it enters a pregnant woman’s bloodstream, it effectively enters the fetus as well through the umbilical cord. Alcohol is a preventable toxin that can lead to all sorts of catastrophic defects, as well as miscarriage and stillbirth. No amount of alcohol is safe to drink while pregnant – and even lower alcohol content beverages like beer and wine can cause damage. Smoking can also cause harm – cigarette and marijuana use while pregnant can result in an undeveloped baby or a baby with a low weight.
- Maintain a comfortable temperature. Pregnant women should avoid overheating and quickly take care of any symptoms of heatstroke or fever. It is best for pregnant women to avoid saunas, hot tubs, and soaking in hot baths. Overheating can lead to certain birth defects in a baby’s neural tubes and nervous system.
