A birth defect is a problem that occurs while a baby is developing in the mother’s womb.
Though not all birth defects are preventable, there are ways to increase the chances of having healthy babies by adopting healthy behaviours before and during pregnancy.
See a medical expert regularly: A woman needs to see her doctor when planning a pregnancy and start prenatal care as soon as she is pregnant. It is important to see the doctor regularly throughout pregnancy and to keep all prenatal care appointments. If you are trying to have a baby or are just thinking about it, it is not too early to start getting ready for pregnancy.
Take folic acid: If a woman takes enough folic acid at least one month before and during pregnancy, it can help prevent major birth defects of the developing brain and spine.
Women can get folic acid from fortified foods or supplements, or a combination of the two. A Consultant Maxillofacial at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Prof. Akinwale Efunkoya said, “It is good to take folic acid, Vitamin B complex can help to prevent birth defects, including cleft.”
Avoid alcohol: Alcohol use poses a risk during pregnancy, leading to unfavourable outcomes. Avoiding alcohol while pregnant is of benefit to both the mother and the baby. Alcohol in a woman’s bloodstream passes to the developing baby through the umbilical cord, so there is no known safe amount of alcohol use before or during pregnancy. Experts say drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and a range of lifelong physical, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities.
Avoid cigarettes and hard drugs: Some of the dangers of smoking during pregnancy include preterm birth, cleft lip or cleft palate, and infant death. A pregnant woman should also avoid being around tobacco smoke as it puts the woman and the baby at risk.
A woman who uses marijuana or other drugs during pregnancy can have a baby who is born preterm, of low birth weight or has other health problems, such as birth defects.
Treat fever appropriately: If you have a fever, make sure you see a healthcare professional for it to be treated promptly. Don’t just go for over-the-counter medications.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Endeavour to maintain a healthy weight. Obesity represents a state of excess storage of body fat. A woman who is obese before pregnancy is at a higher risk for complications during pregnancy.
Obesity raises a pregnant woman’s risk of several serious birth defects. Getting healthy can help boost your health and mood. Also, keep diabetes under control because poor control of diabetes during pregnancy increases the chances of birth defects and other problems during the pregnancy. You can also engage in simple exercises before and during pregnancy.
