Health Law

January Is National Birth Defects Prevention Month

January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month, and this year’s awareness topic is “Obesity Prevention and Weight Management – Before, During and After Pregnancy.” Obesity is a national epidemic that gives rise to numerous health problems, but many are unaware that pregnancy complications are among those problems.

According to the March of Dimes, approximately one in every 33 babies is born with a birth defect each year in the United States. A birth defect is defined as an abnormality that results in physical or mental disability (and sometimes death). The causes of birth defects are largely unknown, but some may be attributed to genetic factors, environmental factors, or some combination of the two.

Reducing Risk Caused by Environmental Factors

Alcohol consumption, maternal health (including weight), infections, medications, exposure to certain chemicals—these are all environmental factors that increase the risk of birth defects in a newborn. While it’s not always possible to prevent birth defects, paying attention to environmental factors such as these can help reduce the risk.

For instance, certain infections are known to increase the risk of cerebral palsy and timely diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the development of the condition. Likewise, alcohol consumption is known to result in a birth defect known as fetal alcohol syndrome so avoiding alcohol during pregnancy will ensure that the fetus doesn’t develop this defect.

Help Raise Awareness

There are numerous ways you can help raise awareness for the prevention of birth defects. The National Birth Defect Prevention Network (NBDPN) provides informational packets and materials on its website and also gives ideas on how to reach out to others.
 

Full post as published by Cerebral Palsy Law Blog on January 06, 2009 (boomark / email).