You can’t stop all birth defects from happening, but taking the right measures to give your baby the best chance of being born without birth defects starts with taking some simple measures. Many birth defects happen early in pregnancy, so this is why it is important to implement certain measures when planning to become pregnant.
Vitamin B – Vitamin B is folic acid. It is recommended that women begin taking vitamin B at least a month prior to becoming pregnant, and then continue throughout the pregnancy. The folic acid helps to protect the baby’s spine and brain. These are among the most serious birth defects, including spina bifida and anencephaly.
Be Careful with Medications – It has been hard for a solid determination to be made in regards to taking medications during pregnancy. Some medications have been proven to be off limits to pregnant women, but others, such as over the counter medications and herbal medicines, are still up in the air as far as birth defects. Be sure to discuss all medications with your doctor before taking them.
Maintain Your Weight – Maintain a healthy weight throughout your pregnancy. A woman who is at an obese weight is at high risk for pregnancy complications, as well as it being a risk to the child for birth defects. The best way to assure a healthy pregnancy and birth is to talk to your doctor about it, and work out a plan to lose the weight before becoming pregnant.
Avoid Toxic Substances – Pregnant women should take care to avoid toxic substances that can enter into the baby’s blood stream through the placenta. Substances like paint, paint thinner, pesticides, and gasoline should be avoided at all costs. Even insect repellent can be harmful, so you will want to skip the bug spray, too.
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