When a woman is pregnant, in her mind, her baby will be perfect. But perfect isn’t always what we think it will be. Sometimes, our perfect baby is born with a problem, such as spina bifida (hole in the back) or missing a limb, or a heart defect.
Birth defects can sometimes be prevented and January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month. The goal of the month is to educate as many people as possible, not just mothers, about prevention of preventable birth defects.
Taken from the National Birth Defects Prevention Network, here are 10 important facts you should know about birth defects:
1
Birth defects affect one out of ever 33 babies in the United States and is the cause of death in one of every five infant deaths.
2
Folic acid (folate) is a vitamin that all women of childbearing age, including teens, should be taking. Having too little folic acid is one of the contributing factors to spine deformities, like spina bifida. Since the spine forms within the first few weeks of pregnancy and many pregnancies are not planned, it is best to have a reserve of folic acid always in the body, rather than just when a woman plans on getting pregnant.
3
Not all birth defects are obvious or found while the baby is in the hospital. Many birth defects only become obvious as the child grows and develops.
4
Some birth defects, such as Down’s syndrome or spina bifida, can be found before the baby is born if the mother has recommended prenatal testing, such as ultrasounds.
5
Birth defects are costly for society. According to the Birth Defects Prevention Network, “birth defects have accounted for over 139,000 hospital stays during a
single year, resulting in $2.5 billion in hospital costs alone. Families and the government share the burden of these costs. Additional costs due to lost wages or
occupational limitations can affect families as well”
6
Birth defects can be caused by genetic or unknown factors, but lifestyle choices also play a significant role. This includes smoking, using drugs, drinking alcohol, and other actions. Occupational dangers can also contribute to birth defects.
7
Prevention may be possible. Depending on the defect, women may be able to prevent some from occurring, be it having adequate nutrition, including folic acid, to good prenatal care and lifestyle choices.
8
Infections may cause some defects, but infections may often be prevented. We all try to keep from getting infected with various viruses and illnesses and women who are pregnant even more so. By proper handwashing, avoiding certain tasks, such as cleaning out cat litter boxes while pregnant, and avoiding sick people as much as possible, it is possible to limit exposure to infections, keeping the baby safer.
9
Avoiding alcohol is the best way to reduce the risk of certain birth defects. Although a general motto in our society is “moderation in everything,” alcohol and pregnancy don’t go together. No-one knows for sure how much is too much when it comes to the baby’s developing brain and body – so why take the risk?
10
Mom is the baby’s protector while pregnant. Pregnant women may consider themselves as the gatekeeper to their child’s health. Of course, not all defects are preventable and this is important to keep in mind. But the healthier the mother, the better a lifestyle she chooses to live the better the child’s chances of being born happy and healthy.
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Images: PhotoXpress.com
Post from: Blisstree