Prevention Methods

Folic acid

Diet/weight

Check-ups

Prevention is unsure, number of ways women can reduce the chance of birth defects by following health guidelines.

Take 400 mcg daily from the being of menstruation through menopause

Eat a healthy diet & aim for healthy weight

Diabetes

Keeps diabetes under control

Medical check up before pregnancy & address any specific health issues/ medications

Smoking/ drinking

Stop smoking; avoid second hand smoking. Stop drinking alcohol prior to pregnancy

** fertility treatments: women who used assisted reproductive technology to help with pregnancy have a higher risk of having a baby with hypospadias.