According to the March of Dimes, about 150,000 babies are born each year with birth defects. A birth defect is defined as an abnormality of structure, function or metabolism (body chemistry) present at birth that results in physical or mental disability, or is fatal. Birth defects are the leading cause of death in the first year of life.

Prenatal care helps to prevent pregnancy complications and birth defects. Since a baby’s organs begin to form in the first four weeks of pregnancy, it is necessary for women to take care of their bodies even before they become pregnant. Women should do the following to help prevent birth defects and have a healthy pregnancy:

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  Take a multivitamin with 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day before becoming pregnant. Folic acid will help reduce the risk of birth defects in the brain and spine. Some foods, such as fortified cereals, beans, green leafy vegetables, and orange juice contain the vitamin folate. A prenatal vitamin that contains folic acid should be taken daily during pregnancy.

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  Get a pre-pregnancy check-up. Your current health and medical history is important for a doctor to review before you become pregnant. Sometimes your doctor may want to test your immunity to some diseases, such as chickenpox. Tests for HIV and sexually transmitted infections may also be completed by your doctor, as well as any immunizations that you may need.

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  It is important to eat nutritious foods every day and limit caffeine intake. Drinking a lot of caffeine (more than 2 cups of coffee, tea, or soda a day) may cause pregnancy complications. Before trying to become pregnant, consult your doctor about your recommended healthy weight range. Try to get within 15 pounds of your ideal weight before pregnancy. Remember that pregnancy is not a time to be dieting! Don’t stop eating or start skipping meals as your weight increases. Both you and your baby need the calories and nutrition you receive from a healthy diet.

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  Exercising during pregnancy can benefit both you and your baby. You will be less tired and you will increase the likelihood of an early recovery after delivery. Yoga, walking, swimming, and cycling on a stationary bicycle are usually safe exercises for pregnant women. Always check with your doctor before beginning any kind of exercise, especially during pregnancy.

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  Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. Smoking may cause your baby to have a low birth weight and other birth defects. Babies born to smokers have higher rates of asthma and other health problems, such as ear infections.

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  Stop drinking alcohol and using illegal drugs. Any kind of alcohol or drug use puts your baby at risk for physical or mental problems. Babies born with fetal alcohol syndrome can have complications such as low IQs and mental retardation. Since many women become pregnant without realizing it, it is important to stop drinking altogether if there is a chance you might become pregnant.

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  Avoid infections. Preventing the spread of bacteria and viruses will help keep your baby healthy. Wash your hands thoroughly before eating. Avoid handling cat litter, which may cause toxoplasmosis, and infection caused by a parasite. Also, avoid sexually transmitted infections.

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  Avoid hazardous chemicals and substances. Paint and other toxins, such as some cleaning products, may be dangerous to you and your unborn baby. Lead, mercury, and some insecticides should also be avoided.

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  Know your family medical history. Your doctor will ask your medical history to help determine your baby’s risk for developing a genetic birth defect. If there have been problems with pregnancies or birth defects in your family, report these to your doctor. Also, genetic counselors can talk with you about the information you might need in making decisions about having a family.

While the causes of most birth defects are not known, there are a number of steps a woman can take to reduce her risk of having a baby with a birth defect. By knowing the risks of birth defects, you have the information to make healthy choices in doing the best you can to prevent a birth defect in your unborn baby.

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