National Birth Defects Prevention Month | March Of Dimes

I am partnering with March of Dimes and the CDC to help raise awareness of National Birth Defects Prevention Month. 

I didn’t want to let the month end without letting you guys know it's National Birth Defects Prevention Month! While you may or may not know that it took us a year to have Mila, I don’t think I’ve shared what I did to prepare myself to carry a baby to full term. In the U.S., about 1 in 33 babies is born with a birth defect each year, according to the CDC. 

While I knew that there were still going to be environmental and genetic factors when it comes to birth defects, I did as much as I could to help increase my chances of having a healthy, full-term baby. The year that we tried, I was at my healthiest weight I had ever been in my life. I had just come back from military training, and I was eating as clean and healthy as possible. I knew that excess weight could affect your fertility and during pregnancy, it could cause problems for you and your baby. I wanted to make sure I was giving my body the best possible starting point for creating life. I recommend talking to your health care provider about how to reach the right weight for you. Also, focus on a lifestyle that includes healthy eating and regular physical activity. 

I took my multivitamins almost religiously. Creating life would take a big toll on my body, so I made sure the vitamins contained 400 micrograms of folic acid. Did you know that if taken before and throughout pregnancy, folic acid, a B vitamin, is proven to help prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spine. You could also incorporate foods that contain folate, the natural form of folic acid, including lentils, green leafy vegetables, black beans, and orange juice. 

Something that I didn’t think of when I was trying to get pregnant was getting a pre-pregnancy check-up. In my mind, the doctor came into the picture after I was already pregnant. Your doctor can give you directions on medications or prescription and how they might affect your body, fertility, and your baby in the future. 

March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. They support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy so that every baby can have the best possible start. Building on a successful 80-year legacy of impact and innovation, they empower every mom and every family. Visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org for more information. Visit shareyourstory.org for comfort and support.