January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month, which provides a great opportunity to raise everyone's awareness and emphasize prevention methods. Not all birth defects can be prevented; however, women can increase their chances of having a healthy baby by managing health conditions and adopting healthy behaviors before becoming pregnant.
Birth defects and infant disorders can be common, costly and critical conditions that can cause lifelong health challenges. Therefore, the Cole County Health Department encourages all pregnant women and prospective parents to make healthy choices and adopt healthier habits to protect their unborn child.
It is recommended that pregnant women: take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day; book routine visits with their health care provider; become up to date on recommended vaccines; eat a healthy diet; and avoid harmful substances, such as alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and other drugs.
Many birth defects can happen early in pregnancy, sometimes before a woman knows she is pregnant. Therefore, when possible, planning ahead of time and addressing all of these areas and any health concerns before becoming pregnant is recommended.
When a pregnant women or mother has limited access to health care, is low income or nutritionally lacking, there is potential to place an unborn fetus or young child at risk for premature birth, low-birth weight and failure to thrive.
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children is a federal public health nutrition program that provides low-income, nutritionally at-risk pregnant women; postpartum mothers; infants; and children up to 5 years old with nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and referrals to health care.
WIC improves participants' health, dietary intake, and birth and health outcomes. WIC also supports learning and development, reduces food insecurity and helps to alleviate poverty. In addition, WIC supports economic stability and improves the availability of healthy foods in low-income communities through participating grocery stores.
For many families, WIC provides a positive experience, saving them from the stress of not having enough food on the table. More importantly, WIC has proven it works, with numerous studies showing WIC improves overall nutrition, breastfeeding attitudes and health outcomes of recipients.
The CDC estimates birth defects occur in about one in every 33 infants born in the United States each year. Among the ways WIC plays a role in helping to spread the word is by educating women and their families about the dangers of substance use and the importance of healthy lifestyle choices and behaviors as a key strategy for preventing birth defects.
Just as important, WIC staff provide nutrition education and counseling in addition to prescribing tailored food packages that can help participants meet their recommended daily intake of folic acid, a nutrient important in helping reduce the risk of neural tube defects.
For more information and to make a WIC appointment call the Cole County Health Department at 573-636-2181.
Melinda Ridenhour has been with the Cole County Health Department for over 23 years. She is a registered dietitian and international board certified lactation consultant and is the Director of Nutrition Services and WIC Clinic Manager.