January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month. While so many of the birth defects we treat are spontaneous and unavoidable, we still think it’s important to go over the basic ways that birth defects might be prevented during pregnancy.
January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month. While so many of the birth defects we treat are spontaneous and unavoidable, we still think it’s important to go over the basic ways that birth defects might be prevented during pregnancy.
If these guidelines sound familiar, it’s because they are probably some of the same recommendations you would get at the obstetrician's office during your first appointment for your pregnancy.
Folic Acid
Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should take a prenatal vitamin with 400mcg of folic acid every day. Folic acid is vital to early fetal development, so the sooner you can start, the better. Folic acid is a nutrient that is not always easily obtained through the average diet, so a supplement is your best bet.
Avoiding Drugs & Alcohol
Pregnant women and women who could become pregnant should avoid alcohol and drugs. This includes smoking. When it comes to alcohol, you may have heard it’s acceptable to have a small glass of red wine on occasion during pregnancy. The truth is that no amount of alcohol or type of alcohol has been scientifically proven safe for your growing fetus, so we highly recommend erring on the side of caution.
Taking Medication Safely
It’s important to disclose all medicine that you are currently taking to your obstetrician to be sure it’s safe during pregnancy. Even if Doctor Google says it’s pregnancy-safe, your doctor knows what’s best for your pregnancy. This helps avoid any potential interactions if (s)he were to prescribe any other new medications. You’ll also want to check in with your doctor if you want to take any new medications to get their go-ahead.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Be sure to eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and try to eat as balanced as possible. Pregnancy is not a good time to cut out food groups or follow trend diets. If you’re experiencing morning sickness, you might be panicking thinking about how all you can handle right now is carbs. It’s totally fine to eat whatever you can stomach during this time. Just try to incorporate as many healthy foods as you can, as soon as you can.
Get Early Prenatal Care
Try to see an obstetrician early on in your pregnancy so that (s)he can provide you with the best recommendations for you. While these pregnancy guidelines apply to all, every woman and every pregnancy is different. Listen to your healthcare provider—he or she not only has extensive expertise and knowledge, but can also take into consideration your unique needs.
Folic Acid
Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should take a prenatal vitamin with 400mcg of folic acid every day. Folic acid is vital to early fetal development, so the sooner you can start, the better. Folic acid is a nutrient that is not always easily obtained through the average diet, so a supplement is your best bet.
Avoiding Drugs & Alcohol
Pregnant women and women who could become pregnant should avoid alcohol and drugs. This includes smoking. When it comes to alcohol, you may have heard it’s acceptable to have a small glass of red wine on occasion during pregnancy. The truth is that no amount of alcohol or type of alcohol has been scientifically proven safe for your growing fetus, so we highly recommend erring on the side of caution.
Taking Medication Safely
It’s important to disclose all medicine that you are currently taking to your obstetrician to be sure it’s safe during pregnancy. Even if Doctor Google says it’s pregnancy-safe, your doctor knows what’s best for your pregnancy. This helps avoid any potential interactions if (s)he were to prescribe any other new medications. You’ll also want to check in with your doctor if you want to take any new medications to get their go-ahead.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Be sure to eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and try to eat as balanced as possible. Pregnancy is not a good time to cut out food groups or follow trend diets. If you’re experiencing morning sickness, you might be panicking thinking about how all you can handle right now is carbs. It’s totally fine to eat whatever you can stomach during this time. Just try to incorporate as many healthy foods as you can, as soon as you can.
Get Early Prenatal Care
Try to see an obstetrician early on in your pregnancy so that (s)he can provide you with the best recommendations for you. While these pregnancy guidelines apply to all, every woman and every pregnancy is different. Listen to your healthcare provider—he or she not only has extensive expertise and knowledge, but can also take into consideration your unique needs.
If these guidelines sound familiar, it’s because they are probably some of the same recommendations you would get at the obstetrician's office during your first appointment for your pregnancy.
Folic Acid
Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should take a prenatal vitamin with 400mcg of folic acid every day. Folic acid is vital to early fetal development, so the sooner you can start, the better. Folic acid is a nutrient that is not always easily obtained through the average diet, so a supplement is your best bet.
Avoiding Drugs & Alcohol
Pregnant women and women who could become pregnant should avoid alcohol and drugs. This includes smoking. When it comes to alcohol, you may have heard it’s acceptable to have a small glass of red wine on occasion during pregnancy. The truth is that no amount of alcohol or type of alcohol has been scientifically proven safe for your growing fetus, so we highly recommend erring on the side of caution.
Taking Medication Safely
It’s important to disclose all medicine that you are currently taking to your obstetrician to be sure it’s safe during pregnancy. Even if Doctor Google says it’s pregnancy-safe, your doctor knows what’s best for your pregnancy. This helps avoid any potential interactions if (s)he were to prescribe any other new medications. You’ll also want to check in with your doctor if you want to take any new medications to get their go-ahead.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Be sure to eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and try to eat as balanced as possible. Pregnancy is not a good time to cut out food groups or follow trend diets. If you’re experiencing morning sickness, you might be panicking thinking about how all you can handle right now is carbs. It’s totally fine to eat whatever you can stomach during this time. Just try to incorporate as many healthy foods as you can, as soon as you can.
Get Early Prenatal Care
Try to see an obstetrician early on in your pregnancy so that (s)he can provide you with the best recommendations for you. While these pregnancy guidelines apply to all, every woman and every pregnancy is different. Listen to your healthcare provider—he or she not only has extensive expertise and knowledge, but can also take into consideration your unique needs.
Folic Acid
Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should take a prenatal vitamin with 400mcg of folic acid every day. Folic acid is vital to early fetal development, so the sooner you can start, the better. Folic acid is a nutrient that is not always easily obtained through the average diet, so a supplement is your best bet.
Avoiding Drugs & Alcohol
Pregnant women and women who could become pregnant should avoid alcohol and drugs. This includes smoking. When it comes to alcohol, you may have heard it’s acceptable to have a small glass of red wine on occasion during pregnancy. The truth is that no amount of alcohol or type of alcohol has been scientifically proven safe for your growing fetus, so we highly recommend erring on the side of caution.
Taking Medication Safely
It’s important to disclose all medicine that you are currently taking to your obstetrician to be sure it’s safe during pregnancy. Even if Doctor Google says it’s pregnancy-safe, your doctor knows what’s best for your pregnancy. This helps avoid any potential interactions if (s)he were to prescribe any other new medications. You’ll also want to check in with your doctor if you want to take any new medications to get their go-ahead.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Be sure to eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and try to eat as balanced as possible. Pregnancy is not a good time to cut out food groups or follow trend diets. If you’re experiencing morning sickness, you might be panicking thinking about how all you can handle right now is carbs. It’s totally fine to eat whatever you can stomach during this time. Just try to incorporate as many healthy foods as you can, as soon as you can.
Get Early Prenatal Care
Try to see an obstetrician early on in your pregnancy so that (s)he can provide you with the best recommendations for you. While these pregnancy guidelines apply to all, every woman and every pregnancy is different. Listen to your healthcare provider—he or she not only has extensive expertise and knowledge, but can also take into consideration your unique needs.
If your child was born with a birth defect and you’re looking for help, please contact us using the form below.
If your child was born with a birth defect and you’re looking for help, please contact us using the form below.