What Can I Do?
Did you know?
That each year in the United States more than 8,000 babies
die from birth defects – the leading cause of infant mortality?
That 3 to 4% of all babies born each year in the United States have a
serious birth defect? That’s 120,000 to 160,000 babies – or almost 400 every
day!
What should I do to prepare for pregnancy?
In addition to eating right, exercising and getting plenty of rest, there are five things
you can do before getting pregnant to have a healthy pregnancy and to reduce your risk of
having a baby with a birth defect.
1. Start taking 400 micrograms (0.4mg) of folic acid every day now,
bbecause it takes some time for your body to build up proper stores of this important
B-vitamin. It is important to take it before conception and early in pregnancy, since
these defects occur in the first months of pregnancy before most women realize
they’re pregnant.
2. See your health care provider for a check-up, and make sure
you’ve had all your immunizations, especially for rubella (German measles). If
you’re taking a prescribed medication, be sure your health care provider and
pharmacist know that you’re planning to become pregnant.
3. If you smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs, STOP! These substances can
threaten the health of your baby, and your own health too.
4. Stay away from toxic chemicals at home and at work – including
insecticides, solvents (like some cleaners or paint thinners), lead, and mercury. Read the
labels before using chemicals, and don’t be afraid to ask your health care provider
if you have questions!
5. If you have a cat, don’t handle the cat litter – it can
carry "toxoplasmosis" which can cause birth defects. If possible, take a break
from this chore while you’re pregnant! Also, wear gloves while gardening in areas
cats may visit and while handling uncooked meats.
(The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – National Center for
Environmental Health – Division of Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/)
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January / February 1999
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