January is National Birth Defects Awareness Month

January is National Birth Defects Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about birth defects and highlight efforts to improve the health of people living with these conditions across their lifespan.

The structural changes that affect one or more sections of the body are known as birth defects (e.g. heart, brain, foot). They are most common in the first three months of pregnancy, when a baby's organs are developing, and they can have a negative impact on a baby's general health, development, and function. CDC estimates that one out of every 33 newborns in the United States is born with a birth defect each year. Congenital heart problems, cleft lip and palate, and spina bifida are all common birth abnormalities.

Birth abnormalities can be caused by a variety of causes, including genetics, behavior, and social and environmental influences, and not all birth defects can be avoided. It is possible, however, to improve your chances of having a healthy, full-term pregnancy and baby — and National Birth Defects Awareness Month is a great opportunity to learn more. Being aware of birth abnormalities over the lifetime can assist persons who are impacted by them in obtaining the necessary knowledge to seek appropriate treatment.

Actions you can take

Birth defects can happen for many reasons. Although not all birth defects can be prevented, people can increase their chances of having a healthy baby by managing health conditions and adopting healthy behaviors before becoming pregnant. Here are steps you can take to get ready for pregnancy, stay healthy during pregnancy, and give your baby a healthy start in life:

1. Have a pre-pregnancy plan

Talk to your doctor about how to manage your health problems and develop a treatment plan. Discuss all of your medications, vitamins, and supplements, both prescription and over-the-counter, with them. Because your health may have altered since you were last pregnant, you should see your doctor before each pregnancy. See your healthcare professional regularly as well.

2. Get Vaccinated

Before each pregnancy, talk to your doctor about the vaccines you'll need, such as the COVID-19 vaccine, the flu shot, and pertussis (whooping cough) booster. To help prevent illness spread, make sure your family is up to date on their vaccines.

• COVID-19 is more likely to cause serious sickness or death in pregnant women than it is in persons who aren't. Pregnant women with COVID-19 have a higher risk of preterm delivery and other problems, according to recent research. During the first trimester of pregnancy, any infection that causes a high fever might raise the chance of certain birth abnormalities. All persons above the age of five, including those who are pregnant, nursing, attempting to get pregnant, or may become pregnant, should get vaccinated against COVID-19.
  
  

3. Take Folic Acid

Take a daily multivitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid before you become pregnant and 600 micrograms while you are pregnant. Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps to prevent brain and spine birth abnormalities. Lentils, green leafy vegetables, black beans, and orange juice are all sources of folate, which is the natural form of folic acid. You can also eat meals prepared from fortified corn masa flour, such as cornbread, corn tortillas, tacos, and tamales, as well as foods manufactured from fortified grain goods (with folic acid added), such as bread, pasta, and cereals.

4. Try to reach a healthy weight

Talk to your health care provider about how to reach a healthy weight before becoming pregnant, as excess weight can affect your fertility and increase your risk of birth defects and other complications. Maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes eating healthy foods and regular physical activity.

5. Don’t smoke, drink alcohol or use harmful substances

The toxic compounds in cigarettes and e-cigarettes can injure the placenta and/or enter the bloodstream of the infant. Certain birth abnormalities, such as cleft lip and palate, can be caused by smoking cigarettes.

Drinking alcohol at any moment during pregnancy is not a good idea. In the early stages of pregnancy, you may not even be aware that you are pregnant. Your baby's health can be seriously harmed if you drink too much alcohol, including birth abnormalities. Opioids should also be avoided. Opioids are a kind of painkiller that is often used. Pregnancy opioid usage can result in neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and premature birth, as well as birth abnormalities. Before quitting or modifying any medicine that has been recommended to them, women should visit their doctor.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/index.html

https://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/january-is-national-birth-defects-awareness-month.aspx