Month highlights healthy start for world's children

A child is the greatest gift any of us are ever likely to receive. Most of us would do anything in our power to ensure health for our baby and a safe, full-term delivery.

January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month and while the prevention of birth defects and prematurity may not always be within our control, there are things that we can do to help lessen the odds.

In order to give your baby a healthy start, probably the best thing you can do is to get medical care as soon as you find out you are expecting, if not before. Your doctor is there to monitor the progress of the pregnancy and to identify potential problems before they become serious for either mom or baby.

While you are pregnant, it is important to get the proper nutrition to support the life growing inside you. The FDA recommends that all women of child bearing age get 400 micrograms of folic acid (a vitamin known to help reduce the chance of birth defects of the brain or spine) daily. During pregnancy, prenatal multivitamins are important because you'll need 1,000 micrograms of folic acid as well as other essential nutrients such as iron, calcium and Vitamin C to keep you and your baby healthy.

Despite all we know about the adverse affects of alcohol and pregnancy, expectant mothers are still drinking. Drinking while you are pregnant can cause your baby to be born with physical and mental retardation — a condition known as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

FAS is the leading preventable cause of mental retardation. It is unknown as to how much alcohol causes FAS, so it's best to avoid alcohol altogether. If this is difficult for you, talk to your doctor. He or she will be able to help you find support groups or counseling that will help you stop drinking.

Smoking is not only bad for you, but it is bad for your unborn child. Smoking limits the amount of life-giving oxygen that passes to your child. This lack of oxygen can cause low birth weight and prematurity, as well as other complications during pregnancy. For your health and the health of your baby, there's no better reason to quit smoking than pregnancy.

It is never a good idea to use recreational drugs, but it is even worse during pregnancy. Whether street drugs or misused prescription medication, drug use can cause your baby to be born addicted, with physical and/or mental retardation. Certain herbal supplements and medications prescribed by a physician may also be harmful to your child.

Talk to your physician about any prescription drugs you are currently taking. They will help to find a solution that is healthy for you and your child. Also, check with them before taking any over-the-counter medicines or supplements (such as aspirin or herbal teas).

Being in an abusive relationship while pregnant can hurt more than just you. Physical, sexual and mental or emotional abuse can all cause harm to your unborn child. The child could be physically hurt, or stress might cause the pregnancy to be compromised, resulting in pre-term labor or miscarriage.

If you are in an abusive relationship, know that abuse often gets worse during pregnancy and now is the time to get help. You are not alone — tell your doctor or someone you trust. The thought of leaving might be frightening or overwhelming, but you need to save yourself and your child.

Exposure to hazardous chemicals such as those found in paints, solvents, cleaners and pesticides is especially dangerous during pregnancy. If your job requires you to work around unsafe chemicals or conditions, talk to your supervisor about finding a position that limits your exposure. It's also important to wear protective gear and have good ventilation. Exposure to hazardous chemicals can cause birth defects and mental retardation as well as increasing your risk of miscarriage.

There's been lost of talk lately about pregnancy and exposure to mercury. Mercury (the silvery liquid found in thermometers) is a toxic substance that can cause severe birth defects and even death of the fetus.

Luckily, there's minimal risk for the average person to be exposed to mercury. However, mercury is found in certain types of fish, so during pregnancy it's a good idea to limit the amount of fish such as tuna, in your diet. If a thermometer or fluorescent light bulb breaks, find a non-pregnant adult to clean it up for you.

There is nothing more heartbreaking or frightening than finding out something is wrong with your baby. Not all birth defects, miscarriages, or premature births can be prevented. But there are things we can do to help protect our little ones and ensure their safe delivery into this world.

For more information on safe pregnancy, visit the March of Dimes Web site at www.marchofdimes.com, or talk to your physician. If you are in an abusive relationship, help is only a phone call away. VAST (Victim's Advocate Services Team) is a local organization that helps victims of domestic violence. They can be reached at (208)265-3586.