Healthy Women, Healthy Babies: Part Two

January is National Birth Defects Prevention/Awareness Month, and today is the second chapter in our two-part series “Healthy Women, Healthy Babies.”

We’re taking a closer look at what can be done before and during pregnancy to increase the odds of a healthy baby and raising awareness about birth defects and their impacts on babies and families.

Pause here for a repeat of this official announcement: Maybe you think this particular blog doesn’t apply to you—you’re a guy, currently not planning a pregnancy, or past child-bearing age. Even if that is all true, please, keep reading. You might know someone who could benefit from the information.

And, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about half of pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned, so even if you’re not actively planning for a baby, things sometimes … develop, shall we say.

If you missed Part One of this series, you can find it here.

What? When? Why?

Birth defects are structural changes present at birth that affect how the body looks, works, or both. They can happen at any time during pregnancy. Most happen during the first three months of pregnancy when the fetus is just developing, but because a baby’s organs and are still growing for nine months, they can also occur later.

Medical researchers think most birth defects are caused by a complex mix of factors including our genes (information inherited from our parents), our behaviors, and things in the environment.

Reduce the Risk

Not all birth defects can be prevented, but women can take important steps during pregnancy to reduce the risk. What we know helps:

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1 See your doctor

It’s worth mentioning that January is also Cervical Health Awareness Month and gynecological care is always important to maintain good well-woman health. But if you might be pregnant or are even considering pregnancy, it’s doubly important. Start prenatal care as soon as possible.

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2 Take folic acid

Get 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day, starting at least one month before getting pregnant. If you missed it, Part 1 of this two-part series outlines the importance of folic acid in preventing major birth defects.

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3 If you smoke, stop

The best time to quit smoking is before you get pregnant, but quitting at any time during pregnancy can help your baby get a better start on life.

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4 Same with alcohol and marijuana

There is no known safe amount of alcohol use during pregnancy or while trying to get pregnant. There is also no safe time for alcohol use during pregnancy. All types of alcohol are harmful, including wine and beer. Marijuana use during pregnancy also can be harmful to your baby’s health. The chemicals in marijuana (in particular, tetrahydrocannabinol or THC) can harm your baby’s development.

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5 Review your medications

Talk to your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking, including all prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as dietary or herbal supplements. Don’t start or stop any medications without first talking with your doctor.

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6 Stay up-to-date on vaccines and immunizations

Your baby may benefit from your immunity from illness and disease.

Awareness

If you or someone you know is expecting or has a baby born with a birth defect, recognize that medical advancements and early interventions have greatly improved health and survival rates for many conditions.

Your medical provider is the best place to start for information and support about specific birth defects, but don’t overlook community resources. It can be helpful to talk with families or other people for advice, to help answer questions and concerns, find emotional support, and hope for the future.

And as with all differences and disabilities, language matters. “Birth defect” is a medical term, not a description of a person. People with birth defects are not defective. Becoming better educated about birth defects is an important step toward creating a more positive and inclusive environment for all.