CAREGIVER • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2022 • 5
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If you are thinking about becoming pregnant,
now is a perfect time to make a plan.
There are steps you can take to increase your
chances of having a healthy, full-term pregnancy
and baby — and part of that includes
learning about birth defects.
Each year, birth defects affect about 1 in 33
babies born in the United States, according
to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. Mainly developing in the first
three months of pregnancy as a baby’s organs
form, birth defects present as structural
changes and can affect one or more parts
of the body. They can cause problems for a
baby’s overall health, how the body develops
and functions, and are a leading cause of
infant death.
“It’s critical that women who are planning
to conceive or are pregnant adopt healthy
behaviors to reduce the chances of having
a baby with birth defects, which are a leading
cause of infant death,” said Dr. Zsakeba
Henderson, March of Dimes senior vice president
and interim chief medical and health
officer. “We also encourage these women to
get the covid-19 vaccine, since high fevers
caused by an infection during the first trimester
can increase the risk of birth defects.”
To help prepare for a healthy pregnancy
and baby, consider these tips from the experts
at March of Dimes, the leading nonprofit
fighting for the health of moms and
babies,1 and the CDC: Have a pre-pregnancy checkup. Before
you become pregnant, visit your health
care provider to talk about managing
your health conditions and creating a treatment
plan. Talk about all the prescription
and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins
2 and supplements you’re currently taking. Get vaccinated. Speak with your
health care provider about any vaccinations
you may need before each
pregnancy. Make sure your family members
are also up to date on their vaccinations
to help prevent the spread of diseases.
Pregnant women are at a higher risk of
severe illness or death from covid-19 compared
to those who have not been impacted
by the infectious disease. Research shows
babies of pregnant people with covid-19 may
be at an increased risk of preterm birth and
other complications. High fevers caused
by any infection during the first trimester
of pregnancy can also increase the risk of
certain 3 birth defects. Take folic acid. Folic acid is a B
vitamin that prevents serious birth
defects of the brain and spine. Before
becoming pregnant, take a multivitamin
containing 400 micrograms of folic acid every
day to help ensure your baby’s proper
development and growth. While pregnant,
increase to 600 micrograms daily. 4 Try to reach a healthy weight. Talk
to your health care provider about
how to reach a healthy weight before
becoming pregnant, as excess weight can
affect your fertility and increase the risk of
birth defects and other complications. 5 Don’t smoke, drink alcohol or use
harmful substances. Cigarettes and
e-cigarettes contain harmful substances
that can damage the placenta or
reach the baby’s bloodstream. Smoking
cigarettes can cause birth defects such as
cleft lip and palate.
It is also not safe to drink alcohol at any
time during pregnancy. Drinking alcohol
can cause serious health problems for your
baby, including birth defects. Do not take
opioids, which are drugs that are often used
to treat pain. Opioid use during pregnancy
can lead to neonatal abstinence syndrome,
preterm birth and may cause birth defects.
Consult your physician before stopping or
changing any prescribed medications.
Find more resources to support your family
across the lifespan at marchofdimes.org/
birthdefects and cdc.gov/birthdefects.
Preparing
for a healthy
pregnancy
5 behaviors
to help reduce
the risk of
birth defects
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