National Birth Defects Prevention Month

January 2016

The Inter Tribal Council of Arizona is working to raise awareness of birth defects and to promote strategies that can reduce the risk of birth defects and their complications.  The National Birth Defects Prevention Network’s 2016 theme is “Making Healthy Choices to Prevent Birth Defects: Make a PACT for Prevention.”  Although not all birth defects can be prevented, the community can help all women, including teens, who could become pregnant or are pregnant to lower their risk of having babies with birth defects by encouraging them to follow some basic health guidelines throughout their reproductive years:

Plan ahead

  • Get as healthy as you can before you get pregnant.
  • Get 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day.

Avoid harmful substances

  • Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking.
  • Be careful with harmful exposures at work and at home.

Choose a healthy lifestyle

  • Eat a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low fat dairy, lean proteins, and healthy fats and oils.
  • Be physically active.
  • Work to get medical conditions like diabetes under control.  

Talk to your healthcare provider

  • Get a medical checkup.
  • Discuss all medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.
  • Talk about your family medical history.

January is a perfect time to call additional attention to the importance of folic acid in preventing certain birth defects.  The United States Public Health Service recommends that all women of childbearing age consume 400 micrograms (400mcg or .4mg) of folic acid daily to prevent up to 50 – 70% of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly.

You can make a difference in the lives of our families.

For more information on Birth Defects Prevention, visit: