At Lawson Family Dentistry, we care about the health of everyone in our community. January is designated as Birth Defect Prevention Month. In order to raise awareness about birth defects, Dr. Jessica Lawson and our staff have compiled a list of birth defect facts and prevention information below. We ask our readers to help us raise awareness about this in our community so that we can all make a difference in the health of our families.
Birth Defects Facts and Prevention Methods
- Birth defects are more common than most people think. About one in every 33 babies born has a birth defect.
- Did you know that birth defects form in the beginning of the first trimester? Many times, birth defects occur before a woman even knows she is pregnant.
- With diagnostic technology like ultrasounds and amniocentesis, medical personnel can detect some types of defects before a child is born.
- The most common birth defects are a cleft palate, a cleft lip, Down Syndrome, and Spina Bifida.
- Every year, birth defects lead to almost 140,000 hospitalizations.
- Birth defects cost the government and families over $2.5 billion a year.
- Heart defects are not always detected at birth like other defects.
- Although there isn’t one single cause, exposure to certain diseases and chemicals are linked to the incidence of defects.
- Smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol, taking certain medications, and using drugs significantly raises the risk of a child developing birth defects.
- Women should maintain a healthy weight throughout their lives and during pregnancy to reduce the risk of birth deformities or defects.
- Young women are encouraged by the American Medical Association to add folic acid supplements to their diets during their child-rearing years.
- Expecting mothers should limit antibiotics use unless absolutely necessary. Your baby’s teeth begin developing in the 2nd trimester and antibiotic use can cause underdeveloped enamel.
If you or someone you know is pregnant or could become pregnant, help us raise awareness about birth defects and prevention. For additional resources you can visit the National Birth Defect Prevention Network’s website. We welcome young women and expecting patients to discuss their overall health with Dr. Lawson and our staff. If your child is born with clefting of the palate or lips, please know that Dr. Lawson and her professional team can correct this with compassionate and thorough care. For appointments or questions, contact Lawson Family Dentistry at (515) 278-4366. We serve families in Urbandale, Clive, Granger, Waukee, Johnston, Des Moines, and the neighboring communities.
