It is not possible to guarantee a healthy baby. However, there are several factors that can play a role in increasing the chances of having a healthy baby.
The information listed below includes a very broad description. All of these should be discussed with your doctor. Our Health Links page has the professional websites discussing each of these in much more detail. If you would like to receive additional information on any of these, please contact 1-800-642-8522 for assistance.
400 micrograms of folic acid daily. Neural tube defects, such as Spina Bifida and Anencephalus occur about 3-4 weeks after conception. This is before many women even know they are pregnant. Folic acid is a B vitamin that can both prevent birth defects and reduce risk for heart disease and certain cancers. This can be received each day through either taking a multivitamin with folic acid or eating a healthy diet full of foods with folic acid. It can be easy to get the right amount of folic acid in your diet every day by simply eating the right foods. Many cereals are fortified with 100% of the recommended daily amount. Learn to check the labels of your foods before eating to determine ingredients. Enriched breads, pastas and rice are available in your local grocery store. Dark green leafy vegetables, such as broccoli and spinach have folic acid.
Do not smoke. Increased research over the last several years has shown several links between smoking and some birth defects. An unborn baby receives the ingredients of a cigarette through the placenta. If a toxin goes into the mother’s body, it also goes in the babies’ body developing within her. Smoking during pregnancy has been known to cause constriction and damage to the blood vessels of the umbilical cord. This can decrease the flow of oxygen, blood and vital nutrients to the developing infant. Smoking has continuously played a role in low-birth weight babies (less than 5.5 pounds). Smoking may cause a baby to be born with a small head, impaired growth and both cognitive and behavioral abnormalities.
Avoid alcohol. Many birth defects cannot be prevented, however ones directly related to alcohol can be easily prevented. Simply do not drink if you are planning a pregnancy any time in the near future. Some children born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) are so severely damaged, they may never be able to take care of themselves. Some of the symptoms of FAS are slow development, facial abnormalities, mental handicaps or mental retardation, malformed organs and bones. Although there are many links to alcohol use and birth defects, it is unknown how much, if any, alcohol is safe during a pregnancy. For this reason, alcohol should be completely avoided during a pregnancy.
Avoid illegal drugs. Use of illegal drugs is a factor than can be 100% prevented. It is very important for every woman of reproductive age to realize what she puts in her body, she is also putting in to her unborn child’s body. Exposures to marijuana, cocaine, LSD, heroine, sedatives, and inhalants can greatly increase the risk of miscarriage, early infant death, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), premature birth, brain damage and developmental delays. Abuse of these drugs can cause the infant to suffer addiction and withdrawal symptoms upon birth.
Harmful Agents. Some agents/chemicals the mother was exposed to during the pregnancy can play a role in the birth defect. These are called teratogens. They can affect the normal development of the fetus. There have been links between teratogens and both physical and mental defects. The effect on the baby depends on type of agent, amount of the exposure, and when the mother was exposed. For more information on what agents/chemicals may be harmful to the unborn child, contact your physician.
Infections/Medications. It is necessary for the mother to keep up-to-date all vaccinations. Rubella has been shown in recent years to be a link with many Congenital Heart Defects. Measles, mumps and rubella vaccines should occur at least three months before pregnancy. At least one month before pregnancy the varicella vaccine should be given. It is very important to discuss with your doctor about vaccines and possible exposures. It is also important to discuss all medications (both prescribed and over-the-counter) with your physician.
Control Existing Medical Concerns. Obesity, diabetes, and hypertension are factors that may play a role in the unborn child’s development. If you are prone to any of these health issues, it should be discussed with your physician before you become pregnant. It is also important to be aware of both mom and dad’s family medical history when planning the pregnancy.