• Smoking ““ Stop smoking before trying to get pregnant, or at the very least, as soon as possible after finding out that you are pregnant. Smoking during pregnancy has been linked with low birth weight, cleft lip or palate, and even fetal death.
• Alcohol ““ Chronic drinking during pregnancy causes a collection of birth defects called Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Babies born with FAS tend to have abnormal facial features and a smaller stature, and issues with behavior, memory, coordination and hyperactivity. There is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy.
• Street Drugs ““ These should be completely avoided due to the risk of birth defects, especially to the heart or kidneys, arms and legs. All street drugs have been linked with fetal abnormalities.
• Medications ““ Many over-the-counter and prescription medications can cause miscarriage or birth defects. Speak with your doctor about all medications that you take ““ prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements ““ and don’t take anything new without asking the doctor first.
• Folic Acid ““ Taking 400 micrograms of folic acid each day (it should be a part of your prenatal vitamin) has been shown to reduce the baby’s risk for developing neural tube defects like spina bifida. You should start taking this at least three months before trying to get pregnant. Ask your doctor for a prescription, or check that your over-the-counter prenatal vitamin has that minimum amount of folic acid.
• Infections ““ Many infections cause birth defects or even fetal demise. Before getting pregnant, make sure that your vaccinations are up to date and that you have adequate immunity to chicken pox, measles and rubella. This can be checked with a simple blood test, and fixed, if necessary, with a booster vaccination. You may be asked to refrain from getting pregnant for one to three months after taking the injection to prevent birth defects. Pregnant women should avoid people who have these infections, and should get their flu shot.
• Prenatal Care ““ Women should get regular prenatal care once they find out that they are pregnant. The doctor can answer questions, provide routine testing, and provide information on how to keep the baby healthy.
• Radiation/Chemicals ““ Many common chemicals and most types of radiation are known to cause birth defects and should be avoided. If you are routinely exposed to chemicals or radiation on the job, you should speak with your employer about changing your assignment or taking additional precautions.
• Your Weight ““ Staying at a healthy weight is crucial for the health and wellbeing of your baby. Being excessively overweight or obese raises the risk of your baby developing certain severe birth defects or complications. You should try to reach a healthy weight before pregnancy, not during.
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