Key points
- Birth defects can happen for many reasons. You cannot prevent all birth defects.
- You can take steps before and during pregnancy to help you and your baby be as healthy as you can be.
- Staying healthy during pregnancy can help give you and your baby a great start.
Steps you can take
Talk with your healthcare provider
If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talking with your healthcare provider is an important step. Regular visits with your provider before and during pregnancy are important.
Try to keep all prenatal care appointments. Be sure to talk with your provider about:
- Medical conditions (such as diabetes, obesity) that may affect pregnancy.
- Whether anyone in your family has a birth defect.
- Medicines you take, and before starting or stopping any medicine.
- Vaccinations recommended during pregnancy.
Avoid harmful substances
Using nicotine-containing products (cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or vape cartridges), drinking alcohol, or using illicit drugs can cause problems during pregnancy. This includes premature birth, birth defects, and infant death.
If you cannot stop drinking, smoking, or using drugs, get help. Resources are available. Talk to your healthcare provider, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW, or find a local support group, like Alcoholics Anonymous.
Take care of your overall health
An important part of having a healthy pregnancy is meeting your health needs.
- Prevent infections, such as COVID-19 and cytomegalovirus.
- Take care of existing health conditions, such as diabetes.
- Treat fevers higher than 101oF.
- Avoid hot tubs or other environments that might cause overheating.
- Try to keep a healthy weight.
Get 400 micrograms of folic acid every day
Folic acid is a B vitamin. Having enough folic acid in your body before and during pregnancy can help prevent birth defects of the brain and spine. You can get folic acid from fortified foods or supplements, or a combination of the two.
