BIRTH DEFECTS
PREVENTION |
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Pregnant women should eat a nutritious
diet. Taking folic acid supplements before and during pregnancy
reduces the risk of having a baby with serious problems of the brain
or spinal chord (neural tube defects). It is important to avoid any
teratogen that can harm the developing baby, including alcohol and
drugs. When there is a family history of congenital defects in
either parent, then genetic counseling and testing can help parents
plan for future children. Often, counselors can determine the risk
of a genetic condition occurring and the availability of tests for
it. Talking to a genetic counselor after a child is born with a
defect can provide parents with information about medical management
and community resources that are available. |
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| BIRTH DEFECTS RELATED ITEMS |
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