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One of every 33 babies born in the United States is born with a birth defect. Many babies born with birth defects suffer from illnesses, lifelong disabilities and social challenges. While not all birth defects can be prevented, women can take actions that significantly increase their chances of having a healthy baby. |
About Birth Defects
A birth defect is a problem that happens during prenatal development and affects how the body looks, works or both. Some birth defects cause mild health problems or social challenges, while some are life-threatening. Serious birth defects are the leading cause of infant mortality in the United States, accounting for more than 20 percent of all infant deaths.
Some common types of birth defects are orofacial clefts, heart defects and neural tube defects. Orofacial clefts affect the lips and roof of the mouth and usually can be addressed with surgery. Heart defects account for one-third to one-fourth of all birth defects. Heart defects may be so slight that they are not detected for many years, or so severe that the newborn’s life is in immediate danger. Neural tube defects affect the spine and brain and may cause spina bifida or anencephaly. Spina bifida, the most common neural tube defect, is the leading cause of childhood paralysis, and anencephaly is fatal.
Prevention
Because the causes of nearly 70 percent of birth defects are unknown, CDC scientists are engaged in a broad range of research activities to learn more about the causes of birth defects and to develop effective prevention strategies.
Current research indicates that some serious birth defects can be prevented if pregnant mothers receive proper nutrition and avoid harmful substances.
For example, fetal alcohol syndrome, a lifelong physically and mentally disabling condition, is the leading known preventable cause of mental retardation and birth defects. It is 100 percent preventable if mothers avoid drinking alcohol while pregnant.
Recent research indicates that, folic acid if taken before conception and throughout the first trimester, can prevent up to 50 to 70 percent of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly. There are some indications that folic acid use may also reduce the risk for other birth defects, such as cleft lip and palate and certain congenital heart defects. Unfortunately two-thirds of women in the United States do not consume enough folic acid.
What You Can Do to Have a Healthy Pregnancy
Because about half of all pregnancies are unplanned, it is important for women of childbearing age to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Babies’ brains and spines are already formed before most mothers know they are pregnant.
To prevent neural tube defects, CDC and other organizations recommend that all women of childbearing age get 400 micrograms of folic acid every day. Folic acid can be obtained by eating enriched breads, pastas, rice and breakfast cereals or by taking a daily multivitamin. Most pregnant women should also get 30 milligrams of iron daily from iron-rich foods – such as red meat, spinach and leafy greens, oatmeal and fortified breakfast cereals – or from iron supplements.
Pregnant women should avoid potentially toxic substances, such as alcohol and tobacco, cleaning solvents, lead and mercury. Healthy diets and drinking plenty of fluids are also recommended. Talking with a health care provider is one of the most important things women and families can do to prepare for a healthy pregnancy.