Q: Which doctor should I consult if my unborn child is diagnosed of having a birth defect?
A: You can consult a genetic counselor.
Q: How can environmental birth defects be prevented?
A: For the prevention of environmental birth defects a pregnant woman must take care of the following things -
- Avoid alcohol intake during pregnancy
- Avoid active and passive smoking during pregnancy
- Avoid intake of any illicit drugs during pregnancy
- Avoid unnecessary medications during pregnancy
- Ensure that all the vaccinations are up to date
- Ensure that she does not have any sexually transmitted disease (STD)
- Take prenatal vitamins before conception (folic acid)
- Eat healthy, exercise and rest
Q: What are my chances of having a baby with a birth defect?
A: In the US one out of every 33 babies is born with a birth defect.