January is recognized as National Birth Defects Prevention Month. The observance was created to help raise awareness while working towards better care and highlight the efforts that help with prevention.
Hundreds of thousands of babies are born around the world each day. Some are born healthy. However, some are born with birth defects. Birth defects are structural changes that affect one or more parts of the body, such as the heart, brain, feet, and hands. Some of the common birth defects include congenital heart defects, cleft lip, spina bifida, anotia, and microtia. These defects are formed during the first three months of pregnancy when the baby’s organs are developing.
An estimated 8 million newborn babies are born with some kind of birth defect. These birth defects can range from minor to life-threatening.
Although birth defects can’t always be prevented, many of them are reliant on the lifestyle of the parents, as exposure to certain substances during pregnancy can cause issues in the development of the baby.
There are many ways to observe National Birth Defects Prevention Month, including:
- Taking prenatal vitamins and supplements such as folic acid (400mcg) every day
- Avoiding substances such as alcohol, drugs, both cigarette and secondhand smoke, marijuana, certain prescription medications, and any other substances that may be harmful to an unborn baby
- Seeing a healthcare provider regularly during every stage of your pregnancy
Flushing Hospital Medical Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology offers comprehensive, multi-disciplinary, and culturally sensitive care. Our services are provided by a highly skilled team of the best OBGYNs in Queens. For more information, please call (718) 670-5562.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.