-1.png?width=333&name=Untitled%20design%20(5)-1.png)
January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month. Not all birth defects can be prevented. But you can increase your chances of having a healthy baby by being your healthiest self both before and during pregnancy.
5 Tips for Preventing Birth Defects:
- Be sure to take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day
- Folic acid is a B Vitamin. Our bodies use it to make new cells like the hair, skin and nails. During early development, folic acid helps form the neural tube. Folic acid is very important because it can help prevent some major birth defects of the baby’s brain (anencephaly) and spine (spina bifida).
- Folic acid is a B Vitamin. Our bodies use it to make new cells like the hair, skin and nails. During early development, folic acid helps form the neural tube. Folic acid is very important because it can help prevent some major birth defects of the baby’s brain (anencephaly) and spine (spina bifida).
- Book a visit with your healthcare provider before stopping or starting any medicine
- Many women need to take medicine to stay healthy, and there are often benefits to continuing your treatment throughout your pregnancy. If you are trying to have a baby or are just thinking about it, now is a great time to start getting ready for pregnancy by talking with your doctor about medications you may be taking.
- To schedule an OB/Gyn appointment with the Thorek Primary Care Center, visit our website here.
- Become up-to-date with all vaccines, including the flu shot
- Vaccines help protect you and your baby. Some vaccinations, such as the flu (influenza) vaccine and the Tdap vaccine (adult tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccine), are specifically recommended during each pregnancy.
- It's not too late to get your flu shot. Visit one of our Clinic Locations today to get yours.
- Before you get pregnant, try to reach a healthy weight
- Obesity increases the risk for several serious birth defects and other pregnancy complications. If you are underweight, overweight, or obese, talk with your healthcare provider about ways to reach and maintain a healthy weight before you get pregnant. Eating healthy foods and being physically active are great ways to prepare for pregnancy.
- Obesity increases the risk for several serious birth defects and other pregnancy complications. If you are underweight, overweight, or obese, talk with your healthcare provider about ways to reach and maintain a healthy weight before you get pregnant. Eating healthy foods and being physically active are great ways to prepare for pregnancy.
- Boost your health by avoiding harmful substances during pregnancy, such as alcohol, tobacco and other drugs
- What is best for you is also best for your baby. Stop using harmful substances during pregnancy (including alcohol & tobacco) to avoid harmful effects on your baby.