Preventing Birth Defects
This list of things that can cause birth defects is not meant to scare you. But it is always good to know what might cause problems. Talk with the public health nurse or your doctor about any of these things that concern you.
- Drinking alcohol when you are pregnant can harm your baby. The alcohol in beer, wine, wine coolers, liquor and mixed drinks can damage the baby’s brain and heart. It is best not to drink any alcohol while you are pregnant.
- Street drugs can cause brain damage. Your baby can be harmed even if you use them only once in a while. Babies can be born addicted to heroin and crack. If you use any street drugs, STOP NOW! Get treatment. Ask the public health nurse where you can go for help.
- Store-bought medicines can harm your baby. Ask your doctor before you use these:
- aspirin or other pain relievers
- cough syrup
- laxatives or antacids
- cold medicines
- acne prescriptions
- diet pills
Tell any doctor who is prescribing medicine for you that you are pregnant. And tell your doctor about any prescriptions that another doctor has given you.
- Some chemicals can cause birth defects. If you work around chemicals, write down what they are. Talk with your doctor about them. Avoid being near fields that are being sprayed by crop dusters.
- X-rays can cause birth defects. Be sure to tell your dentist (or anyone else who wants to give you a x-ray) that you are pregnant.
- German measles (rubella) can cause serious birth defects. If you have not had German measles or a shot to protect you from them, stay away from anyone with German measles.
- Some sexually transmitted diseases can cause your baby to be born blind, deaf or dead. If you or your partner has a disease that is spread by having sex, tell your doctor or the public health nurse. These diseases include syphilis, herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia and AIDS. If you think you might have had sex or shared a needle with someone who has AIDS or the HIV virus, tell your doctor or the public health nurse.
- PKU (phenylketonuria) is a disease some people are born with. If you have PKU, tell your doctor right away. Also tell your doctor about anything unusual in your medical history. Be sure to drink your metabolic formula.
- Toxoplasmosis is an infection found in cat droppings and in some uncooked meat. Eat well-cooked meat and have someone else empty the kitty-litter box!
See your doctor as early as possible in your pregnancy! Write down your questions and ask them at every visit.