Birth Defects Prevention

Articles

Jan 1

National Birth Defects Awareness Month Since the 1800s, the majority of births in the U.S. correlate with the seasons. The change of seasons brings cooler temperatures and shorter days, encouraging people to spend more time indoors. In the northern part of the states, there is an increase in births in the summer months (between June and July), and in the southern states, there is an increase in births in the fall months (between October and November). Knowing this, in combination with the duration of pregnancy, makes January the best month to bring awareness to Birth Defects and share information expecting mothers should consider to increase the likelihood of having a healthy pregnancy, birth experience, and, most importantly, a healthy baby.

Some of the most common birth defects in the United States include congenital heart defects, cleft lip, cleft palate, Downs Syndrome, and spina bifida. Congenital heart defects are the most common birth defects, affecting 1% of births (roughly 40,000 infants) each year. While not all birth defects can be prevented, a mother who manages her health throughout the duration of her pregnancy gives her baby the best odds of a healthy start.

By the end of the first month of pregnancy, the fetus’ heart will begin to beat, then the brain and spine are formed by the end of the second month. By the start of the second trimester, all organs have developed, the circulatory and urinary systems are functioning, and the baby has fully formed limbs, with the ability to clench its fists The second trimester marks the development of the nervous system. Additionally, the baby’s bone density increases, and, at this point, gender can be identified. You may feel your baby moving as the tiny body shifts positions and stretches its legs. In the last trimester, the baby’s lungs have developed and they start storing body fat in preparation for life outside the womb.

Essential Nutrients During Pregnancy

Folic Acid

Folic Acid is the synthetic version of folate, which is a micronutrient found in dark leafy greens, nuts, peas, and beans. It can also be found in fruits such as bananas, strawberries, melons, lemons, and oranges. This B vitamin prevents defects in the brain and spine. Ensuring you’re getting enough folic acid is essential to reducing the risk of neural tube defects, heart defects, and defects in your baby’s mouth.

Iron

Iron is a mineral your body uses to produce hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein that helps transport oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Expecting mothers need twice as much iron so their blood can carry oxygen to the baby. Iron can be found in various foods including leafy green vegetables, lean meat, poultry, seafood, beans, nuts, and raisins.

Vitamin C

Interestingly, Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron. Coupling your snack choices with vitamin C-rich foods like oranges and strawberries will help boost your immunity and enhance your body’s ability to convert iron to hemoglobin. Certain foods can block iron absorption. These include some cereals and grains, milk, dairy, tea, and coffee. Limiting your consumption of these foods and drinks will benefit you and your baby. It is best to discuss serving sizes with your doctor. The consequences of low iron or iron deficiency could result in anemia, infections, fatigue, premature birth, and low birth weight.

Calcium

Calcium, an essential but tricky nutrient, is a mineral that supports the development of bones, teeth, muscles, and nerves, but it can also block iron absorption. If you are not ingesting enough calcium, your body will take it from your teeth and bones to give to your baby.

Vitamin D

Low vitamin D levels can result in low bone growth, fractures, or rickets. Rickets is the result of prolonged vitamin D deficiency and can cause delayed growth, bowed legs, or pain in the spine, pelvis, and legs. Some studies have found that low vitamin D levels could lead to gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, low birth weight, and preterm birth. Supplements with calcium are a great option if you’re unable to fit broccoli, kale, milk, cheese, and yogurt into your daily meals. Just like vitamin C helps your body process iron; Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. Fatty fish, mushrooms, egg yolks, and enriched foods like milk or cereal will help you meet your daily vitamin D intake. Taking a walk on a sunny day will help boost vitamin D levels, too, all while enjoying the added benefits walking provides to your overall health.

DHA or Omega 3 Fatty Acid

DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid), often referred to as Omega 3 fatty acid, supports healthy brain and eye development. Low levels of Omega 3 fatty acid can lead to poor brain function, a weakened memory, and poses an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Incorporating seafood that is low in mercury content will help boost DHA levels. Some foods have Omega 3 added, such as orange juice, milk, and eggs - just be sure to check the label. Seafood that naturally has Omega 3 fatty acids includes salmon, herring, shrimp, trout, catfish, halibut, and anchovies. Your healthcare professional may recommend a supplement to help you meet your daily intake needs, or if you can’t quite stomach seafood.

Iodine

The last essential mineral to pay attention to is iodine. Iodine helps to develop your baby’s nervous system and helps your body convert energy from food. Fish, milk, cheese, yogurt, and iodized salt are excellent foods to include as part of your diet. Iodine deficiencies are rare in the United States but could lead to metabolic issues or severe birth defects including neonatal hypothyroidism, cretinism, or neuropsychomotor developmental delay. Neuropsychomotor developmental delay presents itself as slowed speech, impaired cognitive function, and decreased movement. It can be challenging to find quality foods you enjoy eating during pregnancy if you’ve learned your baby is a picky eater. Experiencing food cravings is often associated with nutrient deficiencies, but it could also be the result of heightened senses of smell and taste or changing hormones.

Many of the nutrients we discussed today can be found in the same foods, helping you make simpler meals that meet your body’s needs. Working with your healthcare provider to ensure you’re meeting your daily nutrient needs will likely result in a healthy pregnancy and birth.