In many cases, mental retardation cannot be prevented. However, there are many steps both parents and children can take to help prevent mental retardation or reduce the child’s risk of developing it.

Many prevention methods begin before and during pregnancy. Genetic counseling can help evaluate a couple’s risk of having a child with a condition linked to mental retardation (e.g., Down syndrome). It is important for women to get any medical conditions under control and to get any needed vaccinations (e.g., rubella) several months before becoming pregnant. Certain blood tests can help evaluate a couple’s risk factors. For instance, blood tests can identify the likelihood of having a baby with Fragile X syndrome, a major cause of retardation.

While pregnant, a woman can reduce the risk of having a child with mental retardation by eating right, including plenty of calories and folic acid, and avoiding teratogens (harmful substances, such as alcohol or recreational drugs).

After a child is born, there are ways to help prevent the development of mental retardation. Newborn screening tests check for conditions that can cause mental retardation (e.g., phenylketonuria). If these conditions are treated early, mental retardation can often be prevented.

Another important step in the prevention of mental retardation is to prevent head injuries. Steps that can help prevent head injuries include:

• Never shake an infant. This may result in shaken baby syndrome, with can lead to mental retardation and infant death.
  
  
• Be careful to not drop an infant. Never leave an infant unattended on a changing table or other surface they could fall from. Any blow to the head could result in brain damage.
  
  
• Use car safety measures. Always use car seats, booster seats, or other child restraints, as appropriate for the child’s age, when in an automobile.
  
  
• Vaccinate children against common and serious infections, as directed by a pediatrician. Many infections can lead to mental retardation. However, there are now highly effective vaccinations for many of these.
  
  
• Protect children from falls. Children should be encouraged to use guard rails when using stairs and should not stand close to the edges of balconies, cliffs and other high places.
  
  
• Encourage children to wear helmets. All children should wear appropriate helmets when biking or skating. Certain sports (e.g., football, hockey) should only be played with appropriate helmets, as well.