Each year approximately 120,000 babies will be born with a birth defect.
Seattle, WA (PRWEB) February 06, 2014
The leading cause of death in children under the age of one are birth defects. Each year, about 120,000 babies will be born with a birth defect in the U.S. According to a recent infographic on the Western Washington Medical Group Blog, “there are ways to reduce the risks.”
The leading preventative is healthy living and, while drug and alcohol abuse are factors that are the best known cause of birth defects, Western Washington Medical Group highlights 8 other influences that also have a huge impact on a developing fetus. Following their advice can help mothers be sure their babies have the best chance of growing up with birth defects, whether physical or cognitive.
For example, the article states that consuming 400 micrograms of folic acid (also known as folate) every day have been shown to “reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spine by 50%-70%.” They note that women intending to become pregnant should begin taking these vitamins before conception, as the most important stage of development that requires high doses of this vitamin occur within the first 6-12 weeks.
Another suggested preventative is to “limit one’s exposure to harsh cleaning chemicals or paints that have a high VOC.” High exposures to harsh chemicals, and even occasionally household cleaners have been shown to cause damage to the fetus, especially in regard to the central nervous system. For more information on how to protect your baby, click here.
About Western Washington Medical Group
Western Washington Medical Group is a multi-specialty medical practice of more than 70 providers. What makes them different from many other multi-specialty clinics is the fact that they are physician-run, meaning their physicians—not corporate managers—make all of the business decisions for the group based on what they feel is best for their patients. As a result, they have earned a reputation for high quality and personalized care with the patient’s best interests in mind.