Every year about one third of all infants in this country are born with some kind of birth defect, which causes physical and/or mental disability. Of those, an estimated 150,000 babies are born with serious birth defects. Since many birth defects appear to be caused by a combination of both genetic and environmental factors, awareness about causes and prevention is believed to help reduce the risk. Although there are certain birth defects, which cannot be prevented, there are common-sense precautions you should take before and during pregnancy.
Instructions
1. Make sure that your vaccinations are up to date before you get pregnant. Talk to your doctor about the rubella vaccine or a combination vaccine--MMR--measles-mumps-rubella.
2. Consult a genetic counselor before you get pregnant, especially if you previously have had a child born with a birth defect or if there is a history of birth defects in your family or that of your spouse. Genetic testing and gene therapy are becoming an increasingly important part of pregnancy planning in order to help identify risk factors or inherited genetic diseases.
3. Include the daily recommended dose of folic acid in your diet. If need be, take it in the form of a supplement such as a multi-vitamin that contains 400 micrograms of folic acid. Consuming enough folic acid beginning at least one month before you conceive will significantly reduce your risk of miscarriage and your baby's risk of birth defects such as spina bifida, or heart and limb defects.
4. Lead a healthy lifestyle. Don’t drink or smoke. Also, avoid secondhand smoke whenever possible. Get regular exercise and plenty of rest. Eat well-balanced meals, and don't eat too much fish or other seafood during pregnancy because of the potentially high mercury content. Limit or completely eliminate foods and drinks from your diet, which contain caffeine.
5. Stay away from beauty products, which use synthetic fragrances, as well as nail polish that contain phthalates. The same goes for hot tubs where the water temperature is higher than body temperature. High water temperature can cause overheating, which could affect the development of your baby.
6. Schedule early and regular prenatal care visits. Birth defects are a leading cause of death in the first year of an infant’s life; therefore, you need to make prenatal care a priority. Women who receive routine prenatal care have healthier babies and are less likely to deliver prematurely.
Tags: birth defects, born with, folic acid, prenatal care, before pregnant