Prenatal Care
I'm not planning to get pregnant for a long
time--why should I even think about birth defects?
I'm thinking about getting pregnant sometime in the
near future. What should I do to prepare?
I didn't do those things before and my other
children are just fine. Why should I worry now?
I'm in my late thirties, and I want to have a child
now. Should I do something special?
I'm pregnant now, and I want to be sure that I do
everything right for my baby. What can I do while I'm pregnant to help
ensure my baby's health?
Also
See:
Fetal Alcohol
Syndrome
Return to Frequently Asked Questions Index
I'm not planning to get pregnant for a long time--why should I even
think about birth defects?
Because so many
pregnancies are unplanned! If you are having sex and you are capable of
becoming pregnant, you should be taking 0.4 mg. of folic acid each day in
case you become pregnant--even if you're not planning to become pregnant
for a long time. This vitamin can prevent certain common birth defects
like spina bifida, an opening in the spinal column, and anencephaly, lack
of brain development. Any birth control method can fail. By the time you
realize you're pregnant, it may be too late for folic acid to help prevent
these birth defects since they occur in the first 28 days of pregnancy.
Plus, you'll be maintaining a good habit for the future--and it won't be
so hard to remember to take a multivitamin with folic acid later when you
are thinking about pregnancy. As a reminder, try to connect your vitamins
with an activity you do every day, like brushing your teeth. You can even
keep your multivitamins right next to your toothbrush! That way, every
time you brush you'll remember to take your vitamin.
I'm thinking
about getting pregnant sometime in the near future. What should I do to
prepare?
That's smart--what
you do before you are pregnant can affect your 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 0.4
mg (400 mcg.) of folic acid every day now, because 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 month 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.
I didn't
do those things before and my other children are just fine. Why should I
worry now?
Each pregnancy is a
unique experience. While women who have already had children with birth
defects may be at higher risk than others, most birth defects occur in
pregnancies of women who haven't had an affected pregnancy before. Three
to four percent of all babies are born with a major birth defect. And
while only some women will ever have children with birth defects, we have
no way of knowing in advance which women these will be. That's why it's so
important that all women stay as healthy as possible, even if they haven't
had any problems before. If you have already had a baby with a birth
defect, consult your doctor before trying to become pregnant again.
I'm in my
late thirties, and I want to have a child now. Should I do something
special?
Maternal age is one
of the risk factors for certain types of birth defects. It's even more
important for women who are in their 30s or 40s to see their health care
providers before pregnancy and to go for regular prenatal visits
throughout the pregnancy.
I'm pregnant
now, and I want to be sure that I do everything right for my baby. What
can I do while I'm pregnant to help ensure my baby's health?
In addition to all
the things that you can do before you're pregnant, one of the most
important things you can do while you're expecting is to see your health
care provider regularly. Prenatal care can help detect problems early in
the pregnancy, so that conditions can be monitored or treated before
birth. Secondary problems or complications might be avoided with prenatal
care, and delivery can be scheduled at the medical facilities best
equipped to handle any problems.
REMEMBER: Even with
all the information we have about reducing the risks of having a baby with
a birth defect, most birth defects still occur for unknown reasons. If you
have had a child with a birth defect, it's natural to feel a wide range of
emotions. You may find the support you need through a group listed in our
referral, support and advocacy list.
from
The Office On Women's Health - US Department of Health and Human Services
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Questions Index
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