Preventing birth defects and complications
SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – January is Birth Defect Prevention Month, and according to the CDC, a baby is born with a birth defect every four and a half minutes.
Not all birth defects can be prevented, but you can increase your chances of having a healthy baby by being your healthiest before and during pregnancy.
Dr. Sean Daneshmand, OBGYN and Co-Founder of Miracle Babies, was in studio to tell us more.
Tips for preventing birth defects
- Take folic acid every day.
- During early development, folic acid helps for the neural tube. Folic acid is very important because it can help prevent some major birth defects of the baby’s brain (anencephaly) and spine (spina bifida).
- Speak to your healthcare provider before stopping or starting any medicine.
- If you are trying to have a baby or are just thinking about it, now is a great time to start getting ready for pregnancy by talking with your doctor about medications you may be taking.
- Reach a healthy weight
- Obesity increases the risk for several serious birth defects and other pregnancy complications. If you are underweight, overweight, or obese, talk with your healthcare provider about ways to reach and maintain a healthy weight before you get pregnant
- Avoid harmful substances during pregnancy, such as alcohol, tobacco and drugs.
- There is no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy and can have negative effects on a baby’s development at any time during pregnancy.
For more info, visit www.miraclebabies.org
