Six Ways How to Reduce the Risk of Birth Defects in Your Baby

Pregnancy is a journey filled with excitement and anticipation. However, it's also a time of great responsibility, especially when it comes to safeguarding the health and well-being of the developing baby. Birth defects can occur during pregnancy and impact a baby's development in numerous ways. Let's explore some essential tips to prevent birth defects during pregnancy.

Here are six ways to help ensure the best possible start for your baby:

Every mother wishes for a healthy baby, free from birth defects. While not all birth defects can be prevented, there are several steps to reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy.

1. Avoid Harmful Substances

Alcohol

Tobacco smoke, alcohol, illicit drugs, and certain medications can all pose dangers to foetal development. It's essential for expectant mothers to avoid smoking and second-hand smoke, abstain from alcohol completely, and consult with a healthcare provider about the safety of any medications they take.

Smoking

Smoking significantly increases the risk of birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. If you smoke, seek assistance to quit before becoming pregnant. It is also crucial to avoid second-hand smoke to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Drugs and Medications

Certain medications and illicit drugs can harm your developing baby. Always consult your doctor before taking any medication, including over-the-counter medicines and herbal supplements, to ensure they are safe during pregnancy.

2. Manage Chronic Conditions

Diabetes

Uncontrolled diabetes enhances the chances of birth defects and other pregnancy complications. If you have diabetes, consult your doctor to manage your blood sugar levels before and during pregnancy.

Hypertension

High blood pressure can lead to complications such as preeclampsia, which can be harmful to the mother and baby. Regular prenatal check-ups and appropriate management of hypertension are essential to prevent the risk of preeclampsia.

Other Chronic Conditions

Conditions such as epilepsy, thyroid disorders, and obesity can also impact the health of the foetus. Ensure these conditions are well-managed under your doctor's guidance.

3. Get Regular Prenatal Care

Early and regular prenatal care is essential for monitoring the health of both the mother and the baby. Prenatal visits allow doctors to:

• Track the baby's development
• Screen for potential problems
• Provide important information and advice for a healthy pregnancy
• Administer necessary vaccinations
• Intervene promptly if any issues arise, significantly improving outcomes

4. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Being either overweight or underweight can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy. Achieving a healthy weight before conception through a balanced diet and regular exercise can improve pregnancy outcomes. During pregnancy, follow your doctor’s guidelines for healthy weight gain.

5. Avoid Infections

• Hand Hygiene and Food Safety

Wash your hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom, handling raw food, or being in public places. Avoid eating undercooked meat, unpasteurized dairy products, and raw seafood to reduce the risk of foodborne infections.

• Vaccinations

Getting vaccinated while pregnant can stop some birth problems by protecting you and your baby from dangerous infections. These vaccines shield your baby from birth defects. But it's important to talk to your doctor first to make sure the vaccines are safe for you and your baby.

• Avoid Harmful Environmental Exposures

Reduce exposure to harmful chemicals, such as pesticides and household cleaning agents by opting for natural alternatives and ensuring proper ventilation when using these products.

6. Maintain a Healthy Diet and Take Prenatal Vitamins

Eat a Balanced Diet

It's crucial to maintain a balanced diet packed with essential nutrients throughout pregnancy. Focus on a large intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy products.

Folic Acid Supplementation

Folic acid helps in preventing neural tube defects, which impact the brain and spinal cord. Pregnant women should take at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, beginning before conception and continuing through the early stages of pregnancy. Regular intake of folic acid supplements before conception and during pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of various birth defects.

HOW TO PREVENT BIRTH DEFECTS DURING PREGNANCY WITH TRIMACARE PREGNANCY MULTIVITAMINS?

Trimacare stands out as a distinctive prenatal vitamin packed with over 20 key nutrients including folic acid, Iron, Calcium, Omega-3s, Iodine, vitamin D, zinc and more, essential during pregnancy.

Trimacare incorporates L-methyl folate, a form of folic acid that boasts seven times higher bioavailability. This advanced composition in Trimacare Prenatal Tablet ensures effective absorption, making them beneficial even for individuals with an MTHFR gene mutation. It helps prevent neural tube defects and promotes maternal tissue growth.

By addressing nutritional needs comprehensively, the Trimacare pregnancy pill helps safeguard against common pregnancy-related birth complications, promoting a healthier outcome for the mother and the baby.