What Is the Best Way to Reduce Your Baby’s Risk of Birth Defects?

parents, you naturally want to do everything possible to ensure your baby's health and well-being. While some congenital disabilities cannot be prevented, there are proactive steps you can take to minimise the risk. In this blog, let's explore the best ways to reduce your baby's risk of congenital disabilities and provide valuable insights to help you create a healthy and nurturing environment during pregnancy.

Preconception Planning:

Preconception planning is essential in reducing congenital disabilities risk. It involves caring for your health and addressing pre-existing conditions before pregnancy.

Here are some key considerations:

Consult with your neonatologist: Schedule a preconception appointment with your neonatologist at Ovum Hospitals to discuss your medical history, medications, vaccinations, and any genetic concerns. They can provide guidance and recommend appropriate prenatal vitamins or supplements.
Manage chronic conditions: If you have chronic conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, or high blood pressure, work closely with your neonatologist to ensure they are well-managed before conceiving.
Avoid harmful substances: Avoid exposure to toxic substances such as alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and environmental toxins. They can significantly increase the risk of birth defects.

Folic Acid Supplementation:

Folic acid, a B vitamin, is crucial for fetal development, particularly in the early stages of pregnancy. Taking adequate folic acid will reduce the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida.

Here's what you can do: Take a prenatal vitamin: Begin taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid before conception and continue throughout your pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins usually contain the recommended daily dose of folic acid (400-800 micrograms).
Eat folate-rich foods: Besides supplementation, incorporate folate-rich foods into your diet. These include leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, lentils, fortified grains, and cereals.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle:

Adopting a healthy lifestyle is crucial for reducing the risk of birth defects and supporting your baby's development. Here are some essential aspects to consider:

Nutrition: Focus on consuming a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, lean proteins, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Avoid raw or undercooked meats, fish with high mercury levels, and unpasteurised dairy products.
Exercise: Engage in regular, moderate-intensity exercise if your neonatologist approves. Physical activity can promote overall health, reduce pregnancy discomforts, and enhance your baby's development.
Weight management: Achieve and maintain a healthy weight before and during pregnancy. Excess weight can increase the risk of birth defects and pregnancy complications. Conversely, being underweight can also pose risks.
Stress management: Prioritise techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, gentle exercise, and engaging in activities that bring you joy. Chronic stress during pregnancy may impact the baby's development.

Genetic Counseling and Screening:

Genetic counselling and screening can provide valuable insights into your baby's risk of certain genetic disorders.

Consider the following: Family history: Discuss your medical history with your neonatologist, particularly if you/your partner have a family history of birth defects/genetic conditions.
Genetic screening: Depending on your medical history and family background, your neonatologist may recommend genetic testing or screening to identify potential risks. These tests can include carrier screening, noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT), or diagnostic tests such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS).

Regular Prenatal Care:

Regular prenatal care is essential for monitoring your baby's growth and development and addressing potential concerns. Here's what you should do:

Schedule prenatal appointments: Attend all scheduled prenatal appointments with your neonatologist. These appointments include routine check-ups, ultrasounds, and screenings.
Discuss medications and vaccinations: Consult with your neonatologist before taking any medications or receiving vaccinations during pregnancy. Some medicines and vaccinations can pose risks to the developing fetus.
Stay informed: Ask questions, voice your concerns, and actively engage in discussions with your neonatologist. Staying informed about your baby's development and receiving appropriate guidance is crucial.

Conclusion

Reducing the risk of birth defects involves a combination of proactive steps, healthy lifestyle choices, and regular prenatal care. By planning, taking prenatal vitamins, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, considering genetic counselling and screening, and attending regular prenatal appointments, you can create an environment that supports your baby's development and minimises the risk of birth defects. Remember, each pregnancy is unique, and it is essential to consult with your neonatologist for personalised guidance. Embrace this transformative journey with care, knowledge, and a commitment to providing the best possible start for your baby's health and well-being. Book your appointement at Ovum hospitals for a safe and healthy delivery.