Not all birth defects can be prevented. But a woman can increase her chances of having a healthy baby by managing her health and adopting healthy behaviors before she becomes pregnant. This is especially important because many birth defects occur early in pregnancy, sometimes while still unaware of their pregnancy. Women can take the following steps to prepare for a healthy pregnancy.
Women should.
1. consume 400 mg of folic acid daily
Folic acid is a B vitamin. If a woman can ensure that she has enough folic acid in her body in the month prior to pregnancy, she can prevent the occurrence of major birth defects of the baby’s brain and spinal cord (anencephaly and spina bifida). In addition to a varied diet rich in folic acid, women can also obtain folic acid from fortified foods and/or supplements.
2. Avoid drinking alcohol at any time during pregnancy
When a woman drinks alcohol, her unborn baby is also consuming alcohol. Alcohol in a woman’s blood can pass through the placenta and down the umbilical cord into the fetus. There is no absolute safe value for the amount of alcohol consumed during pregnancy. Likewise no alcohol is safe and there is no safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol syndrome (FASD). It is recommended to stop drinking alcohol when you are ready to become pregnant.
3. Avoid smoking or using “street” drugs
The risks of smoking during pregnancy include premature birth, certain birth defects (cleft lip or palate), and infant death. Regular exposure to tobacco smoke can be harmful to women and their unborn babies. Women who use banned drugs or “street” drugs during pregnancy have babies who are born prematurely, have low birth weight babies, or have other health problems, such as birth defects. It is best to stop smoking before you get pregnant. For women who are already pregnant, quitting early can still prevent certain health problems in the baby, such as low birth weight. It is never too late to quit smoking.
4. Preventing infections
Some infections that occur during a woman’s pregnancy can be very harmful to her unborn baby and can even lead to birth defects. There are some very simple ways to prevent infections: wash your hands often, cook meat until done, and stay away from infected people. Learn how to prevent infections.
5. Consult your health care provider about medication
We know that certain medications can cause serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy. However, the safety of many medications used by pregnant women is difficult to determine. If a woman is pregnant or planning to become pregnant, she should not stop using the medications she needs or take new medications without first consulting her doctor. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications, health medicines or herbal remedies.
6. Consult your doctor about vaccinations
Most vaccines are safe and recommended for use during pregnancy. Some infections can cause birth defects, and the appropriate vaccine can prevent these infections. Getting the right vaccines at the right time can help keep the mother and fetus healthy. Women should consult their doctors about which vaccines are available during pregnancy.
Pregnant women are more likely to suffer serious consequences (including hospitalization and even death) from influenza than non-pregnant women. Also, it can easily cause health problems in the unborn baby, such as premature birth. The first and most important step in preventing influenza is to get a flu vaccination. Influenza vaccination during pregnancy protects the mother and her baby up to 6 months of age from influenza.
7. Achieve and maintain a healthy weight
Women who are obese (body mass index of 30 or higher) before pregnancy are at increased risk for complications during pregnancy. Moreover, obesity increases the risk of serious birth defects in the fetus.
If a woman is overweight or obese, she should consult her doctor before pregnancy to achieve a healthy weight.
8, control diabetes
Poor control of diabetes during pregnancy will not only increase the risk of birth defects or other problems in the fetus, but will also cause serious complications in pregnant women. Proper health care before and during pregnancy can prevent birth defects and other adverse outcomes.
9. See your health care provider regularly
It is important for women to see a doctor when planning a pregnancy and to make sure they go for prenatal care once they think they are pregnant. It is important to see your doctor regularly throughout your pregnancy, so women should have regular prenatal care.
Pregnancy is a joyous event, but it can also be stressful for pregnant women. Being aware that you have done everything possible to prepare before pregnancy, that you are staying healthy during pregnancy, and that you are expecting a brand new life will help you maintain a peaceful state of mind.