Preventing Birth Defects

Many of the birth defects experienced today, can be prevented with good prenatal care, avoidance of alcohol, safe sexual contact and by genetic counceling before pregnancy. There are also other precautions women can take both before and during pregnancy to help prevent birth defects.

Before Pregnancy:

Females should make sure that vaccinations are up to date and be screened for all sexually transmitted diseases.

A complete physical examination and nutritional counseling will help ensure that the woman is in good physical condition to carry a pregnancy to term. During a preconception visit there are a few things that should be discussed including exposure to Rubella, your vaccination history, toxoplasmosis screening, controlling any chronic diseases like diabetes or epilepsy, managing any medications taken, assess any occupational risks, and assess any substance risk.

Prepregnant and pregnant women should always ask any physician prescribing medications to check to be sure they are safe to be taken by pregnant women. She should also carefully read all over the counter medications before taking them and also run them by her obstetrician or midwife before taking any over the counter medications.

Women who suffer from diabetes, epilepsy, are obese, have lupus or other medical conditions deemed risky by your physician should be addressed at your preconception appointment.

Folic acid is vital for pregnancy and women should start taking supplements that contain folic acid before they become pregnant. The neural tube must close by about 4 weeks of post conception which is before most women know they are pregnant so it is important that all women who have any chance at all of becoming pregnant should be taking 400 mcg of folic acid each and every day.

If the woman or her partner have any medical history for birth defects or are in a high-risk group due to age, ethnic background or medical history a genetic appointment should be made prior to pregnancy to access your risk factor. Genetic testing and gene therapy are two popular aspects of prepregnancy planning. During the genetic appointment you can learn about prenatal testing that can be done to alleviate any concerns about possible birth defects.

During Pregnancy:

The most important things that all pregnant women can do during pregnancy to prevent birth defects is to take really good care of their body during pregnancy. Here are some healthy habits:

Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke

Avoid alcohol

Avoid illicit drugs

Eat a healthy diet

Take prenatal vitamins that include folic acid

Exercise

Get plenty of rest

Get early and regular prenatal care

Follow the advice of your prenatal care team and ask questions about any aspects of your pregnancy that concern you.

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