Staying Healthy During Pregnancy to Prevent Birth Defects

In the United States, 1 in every 33 babies is born with a birth defect annually. These defects can vary in severity and in what body part is affected. January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness on the impact of birth defects and on ways to help reduce the risk of infants being born with defects.

The origin of many birth defects is unknown; however, scientists have been able to identify some common causes. According to the CDC, it is believed that birth defects are caused by a mix of factors including genetics, behavior, and the environment. Unfortunately, you cannot change your genetics and you likely don’t have control over your environment. However, you can modify some of your behavior to reduce the risk of your baby being born with a birth defect.

One of the most important lifestyle modifications you can make in early pregnancy is ensuring that you are eating a well-rounded diet. The American Pregnancy Association, as well as myself, advocate for ditching fad diets during pregnancy (and always) and instead focus on eating a variety of foods to provide your baby all the nutrients it needs to grow. However, you must practice food safety and avoid certain foods that may harm your baby.

5 Ways to Reduce the Risk of Birth Defects

Keeping yourself healthy is a great way to ensure that your baby is also healthy. Changing certain behaviors can help reduce the risk that your baby will be born with a birth defect.

1. Avoid Alcohol, Smoking, and Illicit Substances.These substances can cause harm to the growing baby causing lifelong disabilities. Each substance possesses a different risk, however, ultimately all should be avoided during pregnancy. If you need help abstaining from these substances, please consult a doctor.

2. Attend Regular Doctor Appointments.A doctor will be able to track your pregnancy to ensure that things are progressing as they should. You should try and speak with a doctor before conception as many defects occur earlier in pregnancy. Your doctor will be able to advise you on medications to avoid during pregnancy and get you started on a prenatal regimen.

3. Become Vaccinated. When you are at your doctor’s visit, ask them what vaccines they recommend. If you are pregnant during flu season, they will likely recommend you get the influenza vaccine. Being up to date on your vaccines will help keep you healthy and ultimately keep your baby healthy.

4. Eat a Well-Rounded Diet and Keep Active.Always consult your doctor before beginning a new fitness regimen, however many physicians recommend that you stay physically active throughout pregnancy as able. Eating a balanced diet is also important to ensure that you are intaking all the nutrients your baby needs. During the second trimester, you need an extra 340 calories a day, and in the third trimester, you need an extra 450 calories a day.

5. Take Folic Acid. It is especially important that you take an additional 400 micrograms of folic acid before conception and throughout pregnancy. Folic acid can help prevent birth defects to the spine and brain. You can buy vitamins at your local pharmacy, make sure the bottle says it has 100% of the daily value of folic acid.

Diet During Pregnancy

Following fad diets during pregnancy is not recommended, especially since many of these diets require restricting foods that your body needs. You should instead focus on eating a variety from each food group. Of course, you should always practice food safety to avoid a foodborne illness that can harm your baby.

• Eat the Rainbow. Eat various fruits and vegetables of all colors to guarantee you are intaking all the micronutrients you and your baby need. Eating whole grains and enriched products provide you with essential B-vitamins and other nutrients. Your baby also needs ample protein to grow effectively.

• Avoid High Mercury Food. Many kinds of seafood can be high in mercury, such as marlin and swordfish. Fish that are bigger and older tend to be higher in mercury. Before eating seafood, you should look up its mercury content. The US dietary guidelines recommend 8 to 12 ounces of seafood a week.

• Practice Food Safety. All food should be cooked to its proper temperature to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Safety food guidelines for preparing and storing food should be followed as well. Always make sure to wash fruits and vegetables before consuming and avoid raw sprouts of any kind.

• Avoid Unpasteurized Foods. Avoid dairy products that are unpasteurized as these could lead to a foodborne illness. Avoid soft cheeses like feta unless it is clearly stated they have been pasteurized. Also, avoid unpasteurized juices.

• Avoid Herbal Tea and Excess Caffeine. Caffeine can cross the placenta, so doctors recommend you limit your intake to 200 mg a day. Healthcare providers also recommend avoiding all herbal tea unless your provider gives you the okay.

Keeping yourself and your baby healthy is the most important thing you can do during pregnancy. You must speak with your physician about any concerns that you have about pregnancy.

Your Turn to Action: How are you going to raise awareness this January for National Birth Defects Prevention Month? Let me know in the comments below.

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