Birth Defect Prevention

Adult standing by window taking a vitamin with a glass of water

Birth defects can happen for many reasons. Not all birth defects can be prevented. The following recommendations for before and during pregnancy can reduce the chances of birth defects.

Talk with your health care provider

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talking with your health care provider is an important step. Regular visits with your provider before and during pregnancy are important. Try to keep all prenatal care appointments. Be sure to talk with your provider about:

  • Medical conditions that may affect pregnancy.
  • Whether anyone in your family was born with a birth defect.
  • Medications you take, and before starting or stopping any medication.
  • Vaccinations recommended during pregnancy.

Avoid harmful substances

Using nicotine containing produce, drinking alcohol, or using illicit drugs can cause problems during pregnancy. This includes premature birth, birth defects, and infant death. If you can’t stop drinking, smoking, or using drugs, get help. Resources are available. Contact your health care provider, call 800-QUIT-NOW, or find a local support group, like Alcoholics Anonymous.

Take care of your overall health

An important part of having a healthy pregnancy is making sure your health needs are being met.

  • Manage existing health conditions, such as diabetes.
  • Prevent infections, such as COVID-19 and cytomegalovirus.
  • Treat fevers higher than 101 F.
  • Try to maintain a healthy weight.
  • Avoid hot tubs or other environments that might lead to overheating.

Get 400 micrograms of folic acid every day

Folic acid is a B vitamin. Having enough folic acid in your body before and during pregnancy can help prevent birth defects of the brain and spine. You can get folic acid from fortified foods, such as cereals, supplements, or a combination of the two.

Wisconsin birth defect prevention programming

Last revised February 19, 2025