Birth Defects Awareness: National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN.org) · Folic Acid Info · New Jersey March of Dimes: Donate
Source: National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN.org)
In the United States, about 3-4% of babies are born with birth defects.
A birth defect is a problem that happens while the baby is developing in the mother’s body, usually during the first 3 months of pregnancy. They are the cause of more than 20% of all infant deaths, and with babies birth defects have a greater chance of illnesses and long term disability. Some birth defects are genetic; caused by a missing, broken, or extra chromosome. And some birth defects just happen and are not caused by anything that the parents did or didn’t do.
Here is what expectant parents can do:
· Get plenty of rest
· Exercise moderately
· Eat a well-balanced diet
· Avoid contact with chemicals and other substances in the home/community/workplace that may harm an unborn baby
· Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and illicit “street” drugs
· Talk with your health care provider before taking any over-the-counter or prescription medications.
The National Institutes of Health Food and Nutrition Board recommend that expectant mothers should take 400-600 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid per day, and 500 mcg when breastfeeding.
The New Jersey March of Dimes provides programs and services like Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait® and Becoming a Mom® throughout the pregnancy.
For 2021, The March of Dimes March for Babies Virtual Experience will get more people in New Jersey and across the nation moving while raising funds to save the lives of moms and babies. Together, we can continue to fight that everyone is born healthy regardless of wealth, race or geography!