January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month, a time to focus on raising awareness about the frequency with which birth defects occur in the United States and of the steps that can be taken to prevent them. While not all birth defects can be prevented, there are things a women can do get ready for a healthy pregnancy. This is important because many birth defects happen very early during pregnancy, sometimes before a woman even knows she is pregnant. There are some steps a woman can take to get ready for a healthy pregnancy.
Birth defects are common, costly and critical. Every 4 ½ minutes, a baby is born with a major birth defect. Professionals, community groups and the public can act to reduce the risk of certain birth defects, detect those that occur as soon as possible and prevent secondary complications. Not all birth defects can be prevented; however, all women, including teens, can lower their risk of having a baby born with a birth defect by following some basic health guidelines throughout their reproductive years.
January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month, a time to focus on raising awareness about the frequency with which birth defects occur in the United States and of the steps that can be taken to prevent them. While not all birth defects can be prevented, there are things a women can do get ready for a healthy pregnancy. This is important because many birth defects happen very early during pregnancy, sometimes before a woman even knows she is pregnant. There are some steps a woman can take to get ready for a healthy pregnancy.
- Get 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day – Folic acid is a B vitamin. If a woman has enough folic acid in her body at least one month before and during pregnancy, it can help prevent major birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine (anencephaly and spina bifida).
- Be healthy- Avoid alcohol,tobacco, and illicit drugs. Be sure to consume at least 400 micrograms of folic acid every day before and during early pregnancy. Work to get health conditions, like diabetes, under control. All types of alcohol are equally harmful,including all wines and beer. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and a range of lifelong physical, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities.
- Talk to a health care provider about taking any medications- We know certain medications can cause serious birth defects if they are taken during pregnancy. But for many medications taken by pregnant women, the safety has been difficult to determine. If a woman is pregnant or planning a pregnancy, she should not stop taking medications she needs or begin taking new medications without first talking with her doctor. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications and dietary or herbal products.
- Reach and maintain a healthy weight- Eat a healthy diet and work towards a healthy weight before pregnancy.
- See a health care professional regularly- A woman should be sure to see her doctor when planning a pregnancy and start prenatal care as soon as she thinks that she is pregnant.
Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it also can be stressful. Knowing that you are doing all that you can to get ready for pregnancy, staying healthy during pregnancy, and giving your baby a healthy start in life will help you to have peace of mind. Managing health conditions and adopting healthy behaviors before becoming pregnancy can increase your chances of having a healthy baby.