Bringing Awareness to Birth Defects

In the United States one out of every 33 babies is born with a birth defect. The sad part is that many of these birth defects can be prevented. Perhaps that is the good part that if you are pregnant or think you may become pregnant in the future you can do something about it.

Yes, you can have a healthier pregnancy and baby if you

• take a multivitamin with folic acid every day before and during pregnancy
• See a health personnel as soon as you think  you may be pregnant
• eat well and stay active
• avoid alcohol, smoking and other drugs
• avoid taking medications that are not good for your unborn child

Birth defects can be caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Every 4 1/2 minutes a baby is born with a birth defect. Birth defects are common, costly and critical. If a baby does survive and live with a birth defect they are at an increased risk for lifelong physical, cognitive and social challenges. This is why it is so important to do all one can to prevent birth defects. 

It is also important to raise awareness of birth defects. More people who are aware empowers the action to prevent birth defects. Get involved in this worthy cause by volunteering time and spreading the message to as many as possible. 

Find out more here

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). “National Birth Defects Prevention Month”. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/prevention-month.html .

National Birth Defects Prevention Network. (2018). “National Birth Defects Prevention Month”. Retrieved from: https://www.nbdpn.org/bdpm.php .

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