January is National Birth Defect Prevention Month and Dr. Kevin Worley from Covenant has some things that can be done to help prevent birth defects.
“Cardiac defects occur in about eight per thousand live births,” Dr. Worley said. “Neural tube defects occur in about one to two per thousand live births and then other types of organ system malformations would occur with less frequency.”
He said there is something women can take to help prevent birth defects.
“Best things to focus on when you’re preventing birth defects are, number one, all women of childbearing age should be taking 400 micrograms of folate. That’s been shown conclusively to prevent neural tube defects,” he said.
“Folic acid can be obtained over the counter, grains are now fortified with folate,” Dr. Worley said. “The vast amount of women do not get a sufficient amount of folate from a diet alone.”
He also said to keep up with healthy habits.
“Avoiding things like cigarettes, alcohol, illicit drug use. Exercise and weight loss are important,” he said.
“If you have a baby that has a birth defect, it is important to be in consultation not only with your with your OB/GYN, but also with a maternal-fetal medicine specialist who can help fully evaluate the condition, help make the diagnosis, and help coordinate not only the obstetric care, but the pediatric care after birth.”
