Birth Defects Prevention Starts Before Pregnancy

Birth defects are the leading cause of infant death (before one year of age), and more than 150,000 babies are born with birth defects in the US each year. The following steps are recommended by the March of Dimes Pregnancy & Newborn Health Education Center"

- Go for a pre-pregnancy visit with a health care provider.

- Take a multivitamin containing 400 micrograms of folic acid every day beginning three months before conception to reduce the risks of birth defects of the spine and brain.

- Follow the health care provider’s guidance regarding weight, diet, exercise and stopping habits that could be harmful such as smoking or consuming alcohol.

"Attaining reliable information early - even before a woman conceives - is one of the best ways to increase the chances of having a healthy baby," said Dr. Bruce Young, chair of the Greater New York Program Services Committee. "The March of Dimes has earned its reputation as a trusted source and enables parents to become knowledgeable earlier than ever before."

Birth defects are often related to premature birth, a rate that has increased 27 percent since 1981. In 2003, the March of Dimes launched a major national campaign to fund research and reduce the incidence of premature birth by at least 15 percent by 2007. The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a five year campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For more information and to find out what to do before pregnancy to help prevent birth defects, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.