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January is Birth Defects Prevention Awareness Month
As January is National Birth Defects Awareness Month, SIHF Healthcare wants to emphasize the importance of women’s health before and during pregnancy to help reduce potential birth defects. Birth defects can happen to anyone. Not all birth defects can be prevented; however, there are certain steps one can take prior to and during pregnancy to increase their chances of having a healthy pregnancy and baby.
Here are some tips:
Get 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day. Folic Acid is a B vitamin that helps to prevent birth defects of the brain and spine, also known as Neural Tube Defects (NTDS). The neural tube Is what forms into the early brain and spinal cord within the first 28 days of pregnancy. Most women find out that they are pregnant after this time frame; therefore, it is important to take a folic acid supplement or a prenatal vitamin with folic acid prior to and during pregnancy.
Folic acid is found in fortified foods or supplements. Examples of foods rich in folate are beans, citrus fruits, whole grains, meat such as turkey and chicken or vegetables such as spinach or darky leafy greens. Folate is also found in processed foods. These foods are labeled as enriched with folic acid. Examples include whole breads, pastas, flours, and cereals.
Prevent infections. Some infections that a woman might get during pregnancy can be harmful to the developing baby and can even cause birth defects. Tell your medical provider right away if you think that you might have an infection or have been exposed to one.
See a healthcare professional regularly. Be sure to see a doctor when planning a pregnancy and start prenatal care as soon as you find out that you are pregnant. It is important to see your medical provider throughout your pregnancy. Make sure to keep all prenatal care appointments because they are monitoring the health of you and your baby.
Talk to a healthcare provider about taking any medications. Certain medications can cause serious birth defects when taken during pregnancy. Talk with your healthcare provider before stopping or starting any medications. This includes over the counter drugs and supplements.
Talk to a healthcare provider about vaccinations (shots). Most vaccines are safe during pregnancy and some, such as the flu vaccine and Tdap are specifically recommended during pregnancy. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy can protect you from severe illness. If you have questions about getting vaccinated, talk with your healthcare provider.
Avoid alcohol at any time during pregnancy. Alcohol in a woman’s bloodstream passes to the developing baby through the umbilical cord. Alcohol use during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and a range of disabilities. There is no known safe amount of alcohol use during pregnancy or while trying to get pregnant. There is also no safe time during pregnancy to drink. All types of alcohol are equally harmful, including all wines and beer.
Avoid smoking cigarettes and exposure to smoke. Smoking during pregnancy can cause preterm birth, certain birth defects (cleft lip or cleft palate), and infant death. If you need help quitting, please speak with your medical provider or a member of the Healthy Start team.
Avoid marijuana and other drugs. Marijuana use during pregnancy may be linked to lower birth weight in infants. There is no known safe level of marijuana use during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant should not use marijuana, even in states where marijuana is legal. Women using marijuana for medical reasons should speak with their healthcare provider about an alternative therapy that’s safer for pregnant women.
Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful. Knowing you are doing all you can to prepare for a healthy pregnancy and delivery, can not only give your baby a great start but give you peace of mind.
If you would like to learn more about birth defect prevention, please reach out to your medical provider or a member of our Healthy Start team.
The Healthy Start team at SIHF Healthcare is here to connect mothers with a medical provider and others who can answer any questions regarding their pregnancy. Healthy Start also provides clients with continual encouragement and support throughout every stage of pregnancy, and as they care for their newborn. To see how we can help you, visit us at https://www.sihf.org/patient-care-services/care-coordination-services/healthy-start or call us at 618-646-2505.