Healthy Baby Information

The miracle of birth is one of life’s greatest blessings. And while there may be fears of birth complications or abnormalities, expectant mothers and soon-to-be mothers who live a healthy lifestyle are more likely to have a healthy baby. Here is some information that can help you understand birth abnormalities and reduce the risk.

Premature Babies

Prematurity is the leading killer of America’s newborns. Those who survive often have lifelong health problems, including cerebral palsy, mental retardation, chronic lung disease, blindness and hearing loss.

Prematurity has been escalating steadily over the past two decades. In 2005, more than 525,000 infants were born prematurely, the highest number ever reported for the U.S. Preterm delivery can happen to any pregnant woman. In about four out of every 10 cases, the causes are unknown.

Birth Defects

About 120,000 babies (1 in 33) in the United States are born each year with birth defects. A birth defect is an abnormality of structure, function or metabolism (body chemistry) present at birth that results in physical or mental disabilities or death. Several thousand different birth defects have been identified. Birth defects are the leading cause of death in the first year of life.

Can birth defects be prevented?

There are a number of steps a woman can take to reduce her risk of having a baby with a birth defect. One important step is a preconception visit with her health care provider. During this visit, the provider can identify, and often treat, health conditions that can pose a risk in pregnancy, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. The provider can provide advice on lifestyle factors, such as quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol, and occupational exposures that can pose pregnancy risks. The provider also can make sure that any medications a woman takes are safe during pregnancy. All of these steps help prevent birth defects.

A preconception visit is especially crucial for women with chronic health conditions, like diabetes, high blood pressure and epilepsy, which can affect pregnancy. The provider can also check to see if a woman’s vaccinations are up to date. If she is not immune to rubella and chickenpox, she should be vaccinated before pregnancy. The provider also will ask a woman about her health history, as well as that of her partner and her family. This may help the provider identify risk factors for birth defects or inherited genetic conditions. The provider may refer couples with risk factors to a genetic counselor. A genetic counselor can discuss the risks of birth defects in their children and arrange for blood tests (such as carrier tests), when needed.