{"id":1419,"date":"2018-12-17T13:19:53","date_gmt":"2018-12-17T18:19:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/avenue360.org\/?p=1419"},"modified":"2024-01-22T18:33:23","modified_gmt":"2024-01-22T23:33:23","slug":"preventing-birth-defects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/avenue360.org\/blog\/preventing-birth-defects\/","title":{"rendered":"What you need to know to prevent birth defects"},"content":{"rendered":"

January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month.\u00a0 Join the efforts to raise awareness and prevent children being born with defects.<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Some babies are born with special differences called birth defects, which can affect any part of their body in big or small ways. These differences can impact how they look, move, or even breathe. Depending on the type and severity, these differences might affect a child’s health and lifespan, but every kid is unique and can thrive with the right support.<\/p>\n

Not all birth defects can be prevented. But you can increase your chances of having a healthy baby by managing health conditions and by adopting healthy behaviors before and during pregnancy. Taking care of yourself and doing what\u2019s best for you is also best for your baby.<\/p>\n

Identifying Birth Defects<\/h2>\n

A birth defect can be found before birth, at birth, or any time after birth. Most birth defects are found within the first year of life. Some birth defects (such as cleft lip<\/a>) are easy to see, but others (such as heart defects<\/a> or hearing loss<\/a>) are found using special tests, such as echocardiograms (an ultrasound picture of the heart), x-rays or hearing tests.<\/p>\n

Tips for Preventing Birth Defects:<\/h2>\n

400 micrograms of Folic Acid Every Day<\/strong>– Be sure to take 400 mcg of folic acid each day. Folic acid can help prevent major birth defects in the baby’s brain and spine which can develop very early in pregnancy when the neural tube, which forms the early brain and spinal cord does not close properly.\u00a0 It is best to start taking folic acid at least one month before becoming pregnant and continue during pregnancy in addition to eating foods with natural folate. You can find folic acid in some breads, breakfast cereals and corn masa flour.\u00a0 Be sure to check the nutrient facts label\u00a0and look for one that states 100% next to folic acid.<\/p>\n

Talk with your healthcare provider<\/strong> before stopping or starting any medication. Many women need to take medicine to stay healthy during pregnancy. If you are planning to become pregnant, discuss your current medicines with a healthcare provider, such as your doctor or pharmacist. Creating a treatment plan for your health condition\u00a0before<\/em>\u00a0you are pregnant can help keep you and your developing baby healthy.<\/p>\n

Be sure to be up to date with all vaccines, <\/strong>including a flu shot.\u00a0\u00a0Vaccines\u00a0help protect you and your developing baby against serious diseases. Get a flu shot and whooping cough vaccine (also called Tdap) during\u00a0each pregnancy to help protect yourself and your baby.<\/p>\n

Be sure to maintain or reach a healthy weight.<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0Obesity increases the risk for several serious birth defects and other pregnancy complications. If you are underweight,\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 overweight, or have obesity, talk with your healthcare provider about ways to reach and\u00a0maintain a healthy weight\u00a0before you get pregnant. Focus on a lifestyle that includes healthy eating and regular physical activity.<\/p>\n

Boost your health by avoiding harmful substances<\/strong> during pregnancy, such as alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n