How to prevent birth defects before and during pregnancy

Pregnancy is undoubtedly the most exciting time of any women’s life. Though motherhood is considered a challenging job, it can be sometimes rewarding too. What every woman must understand is that being a great mother starts even before the child is born.

How to prevent birth defects before and during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is undoubtedly the most exciting time of any women’s life. Though motherhood is considered a challenging job, it can be sometimes rewarding too. What every woman must understand is that being a great mother starts even before the child is born.

Below we are listing some factors that every woman must keep in mind to prevent birth defects before and during pregnancy:

Avoid drinking and smoking: Smoking and drinking do not only deteriorate your health, but it also affects the health of your child as well. These habits also weaken the women’s ability to conceive. So, if you drink or smoke, you must avoid it.

Maintain a healthy body weight: If you are underweight or overweight, you must know that it can increase your baby’s chances for birth defects. So if you are planning to have a baby or expecting a baby, ensure that you maintain a healthy body-weight.

Keep a check on Iodine intake: Iodine deficiency can lead to several health risks which include impaired neurocognitive development, fetal death, as well as impaired mental and physical growth. So in order to prevent birth defects, you must consume foods that are a good source of iodine, which include seaweed, fish, dairy products as well as iodized salt.

Use natural personal care products: Using a personal care product that contains harmful chemicals can also lead to birth defects, so it is advisable that you must use natural personal care products free from chemicals. Many studies have also revealed that prenatal exposure to phthalates found in fragrances, nail polish etc also leads to abnormal reproductive growth in baby boys.

Stay away from environmental chemicals: Not many people know this, but chemicals and toxins can reach to fetus blood supply through the placenta. So it is vital for pregnant women to not come in touch with any of these potential toxins. Also, avoid coming in contact with paints, industrial cleaners, gasoline, pesticides, solvents etc.

Last but not least, if you want to make sure that your baby will come out healthy and normal, make sure you enjoy a healthy lifestyle and diet throughout your pregnancy.