Best For You, Best For Baby: National Birth Defects Prevention Month 2019

Jan 17, 2019 | Michelle Shapiro

A baby is born with a birth defect in the United States every 4.5 minutes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Birth defects are defined as any structural changes present at birth that affect how the body looks, works, or both, and they can vary from mild to severe.

While not all birth defects can be prevented, there are concrete steps pregnant mothers can take to increase the chances of giving birth to a healthy baby.

In honor of National Birth Defects Prevention Month in January, the National Birth Defects Prevention Network released a resource guide with five tips for preventing birth defects, including social media messaging for each one. Follow the hashtag #Best4YouBest4Baby throughout the month of January to keep up with the latest activity, and see a summary of the recommendations below, along with graphics from CDC:

Tip #1: Be sure to take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day.

Folic acid can prevent brain and spine defects. Ensure you are meeting the recommended daily folic acid intake by eating a balanced diet and taking multivitamins.

Tip #2: Book a visit with your healthcare provider before stopping or starting any medicine.

Speak with your healthcare provider about your current medications before you get pregnant, and see your healthcare provider regularly while you are pregnant to keep up with your prenatal care. Your provider may recommend changes to any medications you are taking or further testing to ensure your health and the health of your baby.

Tip #3: Become up-to-date with all vaccines, including the flu shot.

The flu shot and the Tdap vaccine, which protects against adult tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis, are recommended specifically for pregnant women to protect both you and your baby against serious diseases.

Tip #4: Before you get pregnant, try to reach a healthy weight.

Being underweight or overweight at the start of a pregnancy can cause complications for the baby. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with healthy eating habits and regular exercise is a good way to prepare for pregnancy.

Tip #5: Boost your health by avoiding harmful substances during pregnancy, such as alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

Drinking alcohol, smoking (or any other tobacco use), and drug use during pregnancy can cause problems for a developing baby, as well as for the mother. Avoiding alcohol, tobacco products, and other drugs when you start trying to get pregnant will improve your health and the health of your baby.

Learn More

Find out more about National Birth Defects Prevention Month in this week’s NACCHO Podcast, featuring a conversation with Dr. Sandra Ford, health director for DeKalb County Health Department. In the podcast, Dr. Ford discusses risk factors around maternal and child health, including the challenges DeKalb County faces in lowering their rates of infant mortality.


636530147572900000

About Michelle Shapiro

Michelle Shapiro was formerly a communication specialist for the Environmental Health & Disability team at NACCHO.

More posts by Michelle Shapiro

Related Posts

I Stock 1182682774
  • Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
  • Behavioral Health
  • Community Health
  • Injury and Violence Prevention

Seeking LHD Participants for an Intersectional Data...

With support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, NACCHO is...

Mar 26, 2024 | Camille Adams

Seeking LHD Participants for an Intersectional Data...

World TB Day 2024 1
  • ID Featured
  • Infectious Disease
  • Tuberculosis

Recognizing World TB Day 2024: The Role of Local Health...

LHDs across the nation actively work to eliminate TB through surveillance, case...

Mar 21, 2024 | Kimberly Nalley

Recognizing World TB Day 2024: The Role of Local Health...

I Stock 1318852282
  • COVID-19
  • Immunization
  • Infectious Disease
  • Influenza

Maternal and Child Vaccine Safety - Enhancing Vaccine...

After conducting a Rapid Community Assessment (RCA), in collaboration with the...

Mar 19, 2024 | Victoria Thompson, Clarissa Montes

Maternal and Child Vaccine Safety - Enhancing Vaccine...

Measles Blog 1
  • Tools & Resources
  • Community Health
  • ID Featured
  • Immunization

The Current Status of Measles in the US + Resources to...

This resource round-up aims to help local health departments and healthcare...

Mar 18, 2024 | Irene Halferty, Emma James, Victoria Thompson, Amy Maxson, Robin Mowson

The Current Status of Measles in the US + Resources to...

1

Building Community Resilience Through Maternal and Child...

NACCHO, with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s...

Mar 15, 2024 | Elana Filipos

Building Community Resilience Through Maternal and Child...

  • HIV, STI, & Viral Hepatitis

CDC Study Reveals Increase in Overdoses Associated with...

A recent CDC study demonstrates a need for LHDs and other local harm reduction...

Mar 14, 2024 | Kat Kelley, Anjana Rao, Grace Murtha

CDC Study Reveals Increase in Overdoses Associated with...

1

Bridging Maternal-Child Health (MCH), Infectious Disease...

Funded through the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National...

Mar 12, 2024 | Elana Filipos

Bridging Maternal-Child Health (MCH), Infectious Disease...

Thumbnail youtube
  • Tools & Resources
  • Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

NACCHO Releases “Community Partnerships to Prevent...

The National Association of County and City Health Officials is pleased to...

Mar 12, 2024 | Camille Adams

NACCHO Releases “Community Partnerships to Prevent...

1
  • Maternal, Child, & Adolescent Health

NACCHO Provides Funding to Local Health Departments to...

The Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health team has selected 14 new local...

Mar 11, 2024 | Ryanna Quazi

NACCHO Provides Funding to Local Health Departments to...

Back to Top