What can you do to reduce the risk of birth defects?
Planning for a healthy pregnancy starts well before conception. Taking proactive steps before you get pregnant can significantly reduce the risk of birth defects and improve outcomes for both mother and baby.
Whether you’re actively trying to conceive or simply planning ahead, here’s what you can do to protect your future child’s health—starting today.
1. Schedule a Preconception Visit
A preconception visit with your healthcare provider is a key first step. During this visit, your doctor can:
Review your medical history
Evaluate current medications
Identify and address health risks
Recommend lifestyle changes before pregnancy
This appointment also opens the door for ongoing support and education about what’s safe—and what’s not—when trying to conceive.
2. Reach and Maintain a Healthy Weight
Your weight before and during pregnancy plays a critical role in reducing complications like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and birth defects. According to OB-GYNs, maintaining a body mass index (BMI) under 30 helps reduce the risk of conditions such as neural tube defects.
“I counsel all of my patients that they will gain weight in pregnancy, so they should start the pregnancy at a healthy weight,” says a board-certified OB-GYN.
“Being at a healthy weight prior to conceiving and maintaining it throughout pregnancy can help decrease your risk of developing diabetes or elevated blood pressure during pregnancy.”
Tip: Begin or maintain a regular exercise routine before conception and continue it during pregnancy, as recommended by your doctor.
3. Take a Daily Prenatal Vitamin with Folic Acid
Every woman trying to conceive should start taking a daily prenatal vitamin containing at least 400mcg of folic acid—ideally one month before trying to get pregnant. Folic acid is essential in lowering the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.
Additionally, increased core body temperature in early pregnancy can also heighten this risk. That’s why it’s important to avoid:
Hot tubs and saunas
Hot yoga
Untreated fevers
“I recommend that all of my patients treat any fever promptly with acetaminophen, which is safe during pregnancy—unlike ibuprofen,” advises the OB-GYN.
4. Avoid Harmful Substances
To reduce the risk of birth defects, avoid the following:
Alcohol: No safe amount has been established. Binge drinking is known to increase the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome.
Tobacco: Smoking increases risks of miscarriage, low birth weight, and birth defects.
Illicit drugs: These can affect fetal development and may complicate pregnancy.
“If you are smoking or using alcohol or other drugs, the ideal time to quit is prior to pregnancy. Planning for a pregnancy can be a powerful motivator to quit unhealthy habits.”
There are many tools available to support this transition, including:
Nicotine replacement therapies
Medication-assisted treatment
Support groups or specialized clinics for substance recovery in pregnancy
5. Talk to Your Doctor About a Safe Pregnancy Plan
The best way to ensure a healthy start for your baby is to partner with your healthcare provider early. From managing chronic conditions to discussing your reproductive goals, they can help guide your decisions every step of the way.
Start Your Pregnancy Journey with Confidence and Support
Preparing for pregnancy starts with the choices you make today. From scheduling a preconception visit to making healthy lifestyle changes, every step counts toward giving your future child the best possible start. Bastion Health is here to support you with expert, personalized care—so you can feel confident and prepared. Our virtual services are easy to access and covered through your employer-sponsored benefits, making it simple to take the first step toward a healthy pregnancy.
