• 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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