Expectant mothers can take steps to reduce the risk of birth defects, such as receiving early prenatal care, taking folic acid supplements, avoiding alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes, and limiting exposure to environmental toxins. However, some factors are unknown, so supporting a baby’s healthy development is crucial.
A birth defect is defined as an abnormality in structure, function or metabolism present when the baby is born. Birth defects can be the result of genetic, environmental, or unknown factors. While not all problems can be avoided, expectant mothers or women planning to become pregnant can take some steps to reduce their risks and possibly prevent birth defects. You should receive early and regular prenatal care, maintain a healthy diet, take prenatal vitamins, and take folic acid before conception. When expecting, you should also avoid drug, alcohol, cigarette and caffeine use, and exposure to environmental toxins.
Most birth defects occur during the first three months of a woman’s pregnancy, so getting prompt treatment is crucial. If you are trying to conceive, you should consider a preconception visit with your doctor to discuss your medical and family history. If you have a pre-existing condition, such as diabetes, obesity or epilepsy, you can also discuss special considerations. A doctor might recommend adjusting medication levels to treat a condition during pregnancy. You should discuss all medications and dietary supplements with your doctor to make sure they are safe for an unborn baby.
You should start taking folic acid supplements before you are even pregnant. It is recommended that women take 400 milligrams of folic acid each day before becoming pregnant and during their first trimester. Folic acid can prevent birth defects related to the spine and brain.
Pregnant women should maintain a healthy lifestyle including regular prenatal care to monitor their well-being and the health of their babies. In addition to folic acid, pregnant women should take prenatal vitamins and eat a healthy diet. You should try to get adequate rest and engage in moderate exercise with your doctor’s approval. By taking care of yourself and your health, you can help prevent birth defects in her child.
Expectant mothers should avoid drinking alcohol. If a pregnant woman drinks, the substance passes through the placenta and her child could be born with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. These disorders can cause growth failure and damage to the central nervous system, leading to cognitive, behavioral, and movement problems. No amount of alcohol is safe, so you should abstain completely during pregnancy.
Pregnant women should avoid using drugs or smoking cigarettes. Substances such as cocaine, marijuana, heroin and ecstasy pass easily through the bloodstream to the unborn baby and can cause numerous birth defects. Cigarette smoking can reduce the amount of oxygen available to the baby and possibly lead to cleft palate, limb defects, some types of heart problems and other birth defects.
Mothers-to-be should also avoid or limit the use of caffeine. Experts disagree on what is an acceptable amount of caffeine for a pregnant woman. Many women choose to abstain from caffeine completely during pregnancy to be on the safe side.
Pregnant women should avoid exposure to environmental toxins and germs. Moms-to-be should stay away from cat litter, raw meat, and household chemicals in items like cleaning supplies. Women should also avoid some vaccines during pregnancy if possible.
In some cases, you may be doing everything you can to prevent birth defects and a problem could still occur. Many factors that contribute to birth defects are unknown. You can only do your best to support your baby’s healthy development.
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