The Impact of Maternal Health on Newborn Health & Birth Defects

The Impact of Maternal Health on Newborn Health & Birth Defects

Today is Maternal Health Awareness Day. We want to uplift the importance of regular checkups with your prenatal healthcare provider who can identify and manage potential risks early, throughout, and after pregnancy. January is also National Birth Defects Awareness Month, and as a leading community health center specializing in perinatal health, we know how important it is to understand the risk factors and take proactive steps to support healthier pregnancies.  

According to the CDC, birth defects affect about 1 in 33 babies born in the United States annually, that is just over 100,000 babies each year. When infants suffer from birth defects, they must undergo specialized care ranging from monitoring to open heart surgery. Common birth defects include heart defects, cleft lip and palate, spina bifida, and limb abnormalities, among others.  

While some are treatable, others may require lifelong care or result in serious health challenges. Infants with birth defects can thrive with access to coordinated care, the right medicines, assistive devices, regular healthcare checkups, and in more severe cases, surgery. Family history of specific conditions or genetic mutations can often indicate a higher possibility for birth defects. Furthermore, chronic illnesses such as diabetes or obesity may also increase the risk of birth defects.  

When someone is exposed to toxic chemicals, certain medications, alcohol, or tobacco during pregnancy, it can cause birth defects. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding harmful substances like alcohol, tobacco, and drugs are critical. Perinatal bacterial or viral infections during pregnancy can also increase the risk. It is important to be mindful about what goes into or near your body during pregnancy.  

Beyond the most direct causes, one’s level of access to healthcare, food, education, safe housing, money, education, and social support can impact health outcomes for children. Fortunately, many birth defects are preventable with steps to mitigate risk: 

  1. Taking 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, starting before pregnancy, can prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida. 
  2. Staying current on vaccines, such as Rubella, Flu, RSV, and COVID-19, can protect against infections that cause birth defects. 
  3. Consulting a doctor before taking any medications during pregnancy ensures they are safe for fetal development. Retinoids and NSAIDs are the most common to avoid during pregnancy and pregnancy planning. 

Learn more about our prenatal services at maryscenter.org/medical/adults-and-seniors/womens-health