January is the month to raise awareness for birth defect prevention. A birth defect is a physical or biochemical abnormality that is present at birth and that may be inherited or the result of environmental influence. About 3% of children are born with birth defects. The most common birth defects are congenital heart, club foot and cleft lip. To help lower the chance of the child developing a birth defect, the mother needs to consume 400 micrograms of folic acid everyday. Consuming folic acid will help prevent birth defects on the baby's brain and spine. The mother also needs to avoid alcohol and smoking. Drinking alcohol or using drugs/cigarettes anytime during pregnancy can cause miscarriages or still birth. Talking to a health care provider will help the mother learn different ways to have a healthy pregnancy.
-Shawntel Tulpan
-Shawntel Tulpan