Author: Sandra Wilson
Nowadays, still, many couples become very scared about having to face the risks of dealing with baby birth defects. Baby birth defects can happen to 4 in 100 newborns. No surefire way has been discovered to date to help get rid such in-born anomaly but then there are many ways couples can do to help lessen the risks of having to deal with a birth defect. In this article, we will share with you a few steps which you can consider to help reduce the risks of complications and increase the chances of having a safe delivery and a healthy baby upon birth.
Quitting the smoke. Smoking is a very dangerous vise whether you're pregnant or not. The dangers; however, of smoking can triple when you are pregnant. This can be harmful not only to you but even more importantly, to your baby. Studies have proved that babies of smoker mothers tend to have a poor birth weight. The sad part is, even if you do not smoke, you can still bring the hazards to your baby if you frequent places with secondhand smoke. Given this, it is highly advised for pregnant women to stay in safe and smoke-free places all the time. Such exposure can cause a variety of adverse effects on the fetus.
A healthy diet – Before and during pregnancy, it is very important that you eat a balanced and healthy diet. Aside from ensuring your good health, it also helps nourish the fetus and therefore, increase the chances of having a healthy baby in the future.
Right exercise and weight – Maintaining a proper weight and exercising on a regular basis is very important. Ideally, this should be observed before and during pregnancy. Women who are overweight may experience health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure. On the other hand, women who are underweight have a bigger chance of giving birth to babies with a poor birth weight.
Health management – You should take charge of all your preexisting conditions. It is very important that you take control of all current as well as all preexisting health problems especially if you have high blood pressure or diabetes.
Prevent birth defects – There are many ways to prevent birth defects. Eating green leafy vegetables, beans, fruits, nuts, beans, healthy breakfast cereals and vitamin supplements can also help improve your nutrition. Taking folic acid will also help lessen the risks for the baby to have abnormalities on the spinal cord and the brain. Note that the risks of hereditary birth defects may be doubled, even tripled, if your family has a history of birth anomalies. If this is the case, some physicians may prescribe extra folic acid.
No exposure to drugs and alcohol while pregnant – Once you get pregnant, take time to inform your doctor about the medications or even herbal supplements that you are / have been taking.. All these can result to adverse effects on the development of the fetus.
As a parent or as an expectant parent, there is no bigger hope than that of hoping to give birth to a “complete” and healthy baby. While yes, we still do not have surefire techniques as to how we can detect birth defects, we can always lessen the risks.
About the Author:Get helpful tips about baby birth defects and a useful information on hereditary birth defects at Aha! Baby.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/how-to-reduce-the-risks-of-baby-birth-defects-and-complications-1139617.html