Birth Defect Awareness

January might be the grand finale of the holiday season and the beginning of new resolutions, but it also has a very important significance in the birth world. 

Each January, we strive to raise awareness for birth defects in our country with the observation of Birth Defect Awareness Month. This month and throughout the remainder of the year, we set out to help parents make more informed decisions regarding safe pregnancy, that may affect their baby’s health at birth.

There’s a misconception about birth defects and we are setting out to change the conversation. 

Birth defects affect more babies each year than people think. According to the CDC, every 4.5 minutes a child is born with a major birth defect in the United States.

Some defects are visible and others remain silent. Many defects even go undetected at the time of birth, creating larger problems as the baby develops into the first few months or even years postpartum. A birth defect can be devastating for parents, particularly those that can be avoided. Birth defects can be incredibly serious as they directly affect the quality of life for children and their families with physical and emotional challenges as a person ages.

Many defects are preventable with responsible choices and monitoring during pregnancy. Avoiding tobacco, avoiding alcohol, eating healthy balanced meals, and regular prenatal exams are just some of the ways parents can decrease the chance of defects and promote a healthier birth.

Alongside healthy pregnancy decisions, many care providers may recommend supplementing your diet with folic acid during pregnancy. You might choose to take additional precautions during your prenatal exams like vaccinations and supplements. Stay empowered through your pregnancy by reaching out for more information and resources about the risks of birth defects, prevention methods and treatment resources.

For families that are affected by various birth defects, a strong support system is important. Some defects may create postpartum challenges to navigate and a doula support system can help eliminate stress for overwhelmed new parents. Your doula can help you understand different defects and their origins or help you prepare for a challenging birth. 

Although January is at a close, it’s not too late to recognize birth defects, raise awareness and promote prevention strategies.

There’s tons of great resources for parents struggling with birth complications and defects, and even more of these foundations that need your support. If you’re interested in giving back to birth defect resources in your area, contact our team or The Center for Disease Control to take the first step or learn more.