Steps you can take to reduce the risk of birth defects

The New Year is a time to evaluate and take steps to improve our lives. Obviously, birth is the ultimate new beginning, and it is appropriate this is National Birth Defects Awareness Month.

As we begin 2024, we can take steps to reduce the incidence of birth defects in our families and communities, giving a healthy platform for a promising future to our next generations. Birth defects affect one in every 33 babies born in the USA each year, and are the leading cause of infant deaths.

Not all birth defects are preventable, but many are.

Genetic birth defects

Genetic birth defects are due to a problem with the DNA, or genome. These can be inherited from parents or can be a new mutation.

Sadly, older parental age is associated with an increased risk of genetic defects. Parents over the age of 35 years have a slightly higher risk, the odds are a little higher at age 40, and very significantly increased at age 44. While the mother’s age plays the greatest role, the father’s age also has an impact.

Couples who are older and want children shouldn’t be discouraged; the risk of a genetic birth defect is very small. However, it may be best to try to not delay past the age of 35 or 40.

Environmental birth defects

Environmental birth defects are due to factors outside of genetics that impact a developing baby. There are several things a parent can do proactively to reduce the risk of birth defects.

For example, lack of certain nutrients is known to cause defects. Supplementation with folic acid and multivitamins has been shown to significantly reduce risks of cleft lip/palate, and brain, spine, heart and urinary defects.

For this reason, a prospective mother should start supplementation with at least 400mg of folic acid and a multivitamin at least a month before trying to get pregnant. Many countries (including the USA) have begun to add supplemental folic acid into their foods, and have seen a decrease as high as 71% in the number of brain/spine defects in their countries.

A mother’s diet should be rich in fruits and vegetables as well as foods with omega acids such as eggs, avocado, nuts and fish (but avoid fish that may be contaminated with mercury). Omega acids are good for brain development, in particular.

Another thing a prospective mother can do to protect her baby is to be fully immunized against diseases that could cause birth defects such as measles, German measles and chickenpox. Ask your gynecologist about vaccines you can get to protect your baby.

Multifactorial birth defects

There are some things to avoid during pregnancy.

For example, there is no known safe dose of alcohol for a fetus. Alcohol is a well-known teratogen that affects brain and facial development.

Along with potential genetic defects, tobacco causes tissue damage in the unborn baby and has been linked to lung problems, brain defects, cleft lip, low birth weight and other defects. Carbon monoxide in tobacco smoke can also keep the developing baby from getting enough oxygen.

The pregnant mother should also avoid getting overheated. Exposure to high temperatures during the first trimester have been linked to heart defects, for example. For this reason, pregnant mothers should avoid hot tubs and saunas, and should treat any fever with acetaminophen. Always ask your gynecologist, though, about treating your fever or any other condition during pregnancy.

Infections can sometimes cause birth defects. It is thought that infections cause about 2-3% of all birth defects. Germs that are known to sometimes cause birth defects are: toxoplasmosis, HIV, syphilis, Fifth disease, chickenpox, Zika virus, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus. Wearing a mask may help prevent a pregnant Mom from picking up infections from settings such as schools or large gatherings.