January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month and even though I’m more than likely all done with having babies, this is still a topic I have conversations about with my girlfriends and family members who are still planning and building their families. I don’t know if it’s just me, but it seems as though in the past few years, the fears have gotten much worse – partially because of dangerous pandemics such as Zika Virus, partially because we just know a lot more. The plus side to this, however, is the fact that in this information age, we also have a ton of resources available to us to help pregnant and expecting moms prevent birth defects.
In honor of Birth Defects Prevention Month, I’m not only sharing some of my favorite maternity pics, but I have partnered with March of Dimes to be a part of a month long series to spread awareness and promote the healthy behaviors that help prevent birth defects.
One of the absolute easiest ways expecting moms can prevent birth –I can’t stress enough- is to practice good hygiene. I mean, good hygiene is always important, but it’s especially important for pregnant women or women who plan to become pregnant, as some infections before and during pregnancy can hurt both you and your developing baby, causing birth defects and lifelong disabilities.
What you can do to practice good hygiene:
Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Washing your hands is an easy step that can help prevent infections. Microbes and germs that spread illness can linger on hands after you touch something. To remove as many germs as possible rinse your hands under clean running water, lather with soap (remember to lather both the back and front!), scrub your hands together for 20 seconds, and then rinse with clean running water. Always remember to wash your hands after contact with any bodily fluids, such as saliva or urine.
Avoid putting a young child’s cups or pacifiers in your mouth.
Children’s saliva or urine may contain a virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV), which women can pass to their baby during pregnancy. Becoming infected with CMV can increase your developing baby’s risk for birth defects. Practicing good hygiene and avoiding bodily fluids can decrease your risk of CMV infection.
Pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant? Follow #Prevent2Protect to join the conversation on the following important topics and things you can do to protect your health and protect your baby from infections and birth defects:
-Folic Acid Awareness Week (Jan. 7-13)
-Well-Woman Visits/Preconception Check ups (Jan. 8-12)
-Vaccinations (January 15-19)
-Prevention of Insect Bites (Jan. 22-26)
Also, sign up now at Thunderclap to automatically post a message of support and awareness on your social media accounts on January 10:
Additional Resources for Women/Families
When & How to Wash Your Hands | CDC
Learn more about when and how to wash your hands, the importance of using soap and water, and what you can do if soap and clean, running water are not available.
Cytomegalovirus and Pregnancy | March of Dimes
Learn how you can protect yourself from CMV.
Body, Facial, & Dental Hygiene | CDC
Learn how keeping your whole body clean can prevent hygiene-related diseases.
Simple Steps to Prevent Infections during Pregnancy | American Academy of Pediatrics
Check out these eleven tips on how to prevent infections during pregnancy.
These are helpful and great tips. I like that you also provide a lot of useful resources for preventing defects!
This post is awesome! I love how you emphasize on simple tips such as washing your hands. It amazes me how many people still don’t wash their hands after touching certain things. I must wash mine at least 100 times a day. 🙂
Really very important for pregnant women to have a proper hygiene around them , also I believe that to prevent birth defects, one should also reduce Smoking, drinking and caffeine intake.
Wow, I didn’t realize infections from poor hygiene could make such a bad impact on the child. Thank you for sharing this. Such a helpful knowledge I could really use in the future.
These are very helpful tips! I also heard that it’s bad to drink coffee during pregnancy, is it true?
The White Ocean
You look so beautiful there with your daughter. You are glowing really. Thanks for all the great information about what you can do to avoid childhood issues coming from pregnancy. I know they will be so helpful to so many women.
I’m aware of getting proper folic acid supplementation so babies don’t develop severe neurological problems. In Southeast Asia, such diseases are relatively more commonplace.
Love your health tips here. Eating a balanced diet helps a lot. Plenty of rest and exercise does too.
These are some really helpful tips to avoid birth defects and I am sure a lot of women will find them useful. I love your photographs too. You and your daughter look so beautiful.