Some birth defects are easily preventable. For example, fetal alcohol syndrome can be prevented by avoiding alcohol during pregnancy. However, not all birth defects can be prevented. Healthy parents who do everything their physicians recommend can still have an infant with a birth defect. Many birth defects occur before most women discover that they are pregnant. Women may unknowingly expose their fetuses to conditions that they would otherwise avoid (e.g., drinking alcohol, smoking) if they only realized that they were pregnant.

Pregnancies that are planned have a reduced risk of birth defects. Genetic counseling is common during pregnancy planning. Here, a genetic counselor discusses an individual couple’s chances of having a child with a birth defect. This can help establish realistic expectations. In addition, couples who are carriers of known serious genetic conditions may want to use methods of assistive reproductive technology to minimize the risk of a fetus that will develop a serious or fatal birth defect.

Women who plan their pregnancies tend to take care of themselves as though they were pregnant. This is particularly beneficial because many steps to prevent birth defects are best initiated before conception. For example, taking 400 micrograms of folic acid (a type of B vitamin) daily has been shown to reduce the risk of neural tube defects by 70 percent, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). However, it must be taken both before and during pregnancy. Planning a pregnancy also allows women to treat or control any conditions (e.g., obesity, diabetes, seizures, high blood pressure, thyroid disorders) before their pregnancy.

During pregnancy, there are many things a woman can do to reduce the chance that her child will be born with a birth defect. A healthy diet with plenty of calories, vitamins and nutrients is essential. Plenty of rest and moderate exercise can also help. A woman should discuss how much exercise she needs with a physician. Pregnant women need to avoid smoking (including second-hand smoke), alcohol and recreational drugs. Other substances to be avoided include radiation (e.g., x-rays) and cat litter, which may carry the toxoplasmosis protozoa. Women who are pregnant should also discuss all medications (including over-the-counter medications) and vaccinations with a physician, preferably an obstetrician/gynecologist (Ob/Gyn), who knows about their pregnancy. It is also important for a woman to review recent medications and vaccinations with a physician immediately after finding out about her pregnancy.