January is National Birth Defects Awareness Month. If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, learn how to reduce the risks.
Facts
Birth defects are conditions present at birth that may adversely affect an individual’s health by changing the body’s shape or functioning. They can affect general health, how the body develops or how the body works. They may include heart defects, cleft lip or palate, defects of the brain or spine, nervous system disorders, learning, vision or hearing problems, as well as metabolic disorders.
Some are minor and can be treated before or after birth with minimal long-term effects. Others are life-altering, causing mental or physical disabilities requiring long-term treatment and support, while still others are life-threatening.
Frequency
For infants from birth to 12 months and children from 1 to 4 years, birth defects are the first and second-most common causes of death, respectively. “Many people don’t realize how common or serious they are, or how much they can impact quality of life,” said Connie Motter, certified genetic counselor at Akron Children’s. “In the United States, a baby is born with a birth defect every 4 ½ minutes. That’s nearly 1 in every 33 live births. Many people think that if a birth defect is not present in their family’s history, it will not happen to them.”
Prevention
A woman’s health is important every day, whether or not she is planning to have a baby. Taking care of her health through good nutrition, regular exercise, and stress management helps her feel her best and supports a strong foundation for the future. Since over half of pregnancies are unplanned, being proactive about her health now ensures that if she does become pregnant, she is already giving her baby the best possible start. The first weeks of pregnancy are crucial for a baby’s development, so a woman’s health during those early stages plays a significant role. By focusing on small, simple steps to take care of her health today, she can feel confident she is doing something great for her future – whatever it may hold.
But it’s not just about moms-to-be, as partners also play a vital role. A father’s health and lifestyle choices – like avoiding smoking, eating a balanced diet and staying active – can directly impact the health of his baby. Healthy habits can improve sperm quality, reduce risks of birth defects and create a supportive environment for a healthy pregnancy. When both parents prioritize their health, they set the stage for a brighter future, for themselves and their family. Together, small changes today can make a big difference tomorrow.
Studies recommend these 5 steps that women can take to reduce the risk of birth defects before and during pregnancy:
1. Taking a multivitamin with 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily is a simple yet essential habit for women of reproductive age.
Even if you’re not actively planning a pregnancy, a multivitamin can help fill nutritional gaps that many women experience due to diet alone. Importantly, if a pregnancy occurs, your body will already have the necessary nutrients to support the baby’s early brain and spinal cord development—critical processes that take place before most women realize they are pregnant.
For women actively planning a pregnancy, switching to a prenatal vitamin several months beforehand is highly recommended to ensure both mother and baby receive optimal nutrition.
Folic acid, within a multivitamin, is particularly important because it helps prevent serious birth defects, such as neural tube defects affecting the baby’s brain and spine, as well as cleft lip and palate. Some women may prefer bioavailable forms of folate, such as L-methylfolate or folinic acid, which are alternatives to synthetic folic acid, and may be better absorbed by those with certain metabolic conditions.
2. Schedule a visit with your health care provider before stopping or starting any medicine.
There are often benefits to continuing treatment throughout pregnancy. Discussing a treatment plan before a pregnancy allows a woman and her health care provider to weigh the pros and cons of all options to keep mom and baby as healthy as possible.
3. Become up to date with vaccines.
Having the right vaccinations at the right time before or during pregnancy can help keep a woman and her baby healthy.
4. Focus on achieving weight optimization before pregnancy.
Being at a healthy weight before pregnancy and maintaining the recommended weight during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of birth defects and pregnancy complications. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for fertility, as body weight plays a significant role in hormonal balance, ovulation and overall reproductive health. This is true for both those who are underweight and those who are overweight.
5. Boost your health by avoiding harmful substances during pregnancy, such as alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
- There is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. Its exposure can cause major birth defects and brain damage that can lead to cognitive delays, learning disabilities, poor memory, and difficulties with attention and impulse control. If a woman is struggling with alcohol use, seeking support early on is crucial to reducing risks to her health and the baby’s health.
- Smoking or vaping during pregnancy can affect the placenta and the baby, increasing the risks for low birth weight, placental abruption, preterm birth and certain birth defects, such as cleft lip and palate. Babies exposed to cigarettes during pregnancy or after birth also have a higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Opioid use during pregnancy has been linked to adverse health effects for both the pregnant woman and her baby, including increased risk of maternal death, poor fetal growth, preterm birth, stillbirth, certain birth defects and neonatal abstinence syndrome (also called neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome).
Although not all birth defects can be prevented, there are many things a woman can do to increase the chances of having a healthy baby. It’s important to remember that even with the best planning, some birth defects may occur due to factors beyond anyone’s control. The actions you take to care for your health today not only give your baby the best possible start but reflect your commitment to creating a healthier future for all children, regardless of the challenges they may face.