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25 Tools to Help Prevent Birth Defects
Healthy Child
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Every year, one in every 33 babies (about 120,000) born in the United States enters the world with a birth defect. Thousands of different birth defects have been identified and birth defects are the leading cause of death in the first year of life. Still, we don’t know the cause of most birth defects – an especially scary fact for any pregnant woman hoping to protect her unborn child.
We do know that the developing embryo and fetus is extraordinarily and uniquely vulnerable to environmental exposures. Toxic exposures during these initial nine months of susceptibility can result not only in birth defects, but also can impact the function of the nervous, immune, reproductive, and other systems of the body. Some of these impacts may not become apparent until years or even decades after birth.
The US Centers for Disease Control advises pregnant women to avoid exposure to toxic substances. Here’s a collection of resources to help you have the healthiest pregnancy.
Super Tools:
Healthy Child Healthy World: Creating a Cleaner, Greener, Safer Home by Christopher Gavigan - This book is the best $10 investment you can make in your child’s health. Truly a must read for all parents.
ItsaBelly Baby Planners - Need a little extra help? These knowledgeable planners “take the labor pains” out of having a healthy pregnancy and preparing for your new bundle of joy.
Healthy Shopping Pocket Guides - Print these guides so you know safer products to buy when you’re out and about.
Quick Articles:
• 10 Tips to Prepare for Your Pregnancy
• Quick Tips for Protecting Your Baby from Environmental Toxics During Pregnancy
• Nutrition Pleasures and Precautions During Pregnancy
• Protecting the First Environment
• The ABCs of a Healthy and Green Baby Shower
Websites:
• Critical Windows of Development - The most detailed information to date about the impacts of chemical exposures during specific windows of development.
• Dr. Greene - Making pediatric wisdom more accessible than ever before. Addressing the connection between the health of our children and the health of the environment, to strive to make a difference for both.
• WebMD Health eHome - The interactive tool to help you make a healthy home.
• National Birth Defects Prevention Network - Download materials for National Birth Defects Prevention Month (January) as well as a slew of other informational resources.
• The Green Baby Guide - This is a great blog with real-life advice, tips and product recommendations that are affordable and easy. (And, their blog roll lists some of the best grean and healthy parenting blogs out there!)
And, of course, bookmark HealthyChild.org so you always have easy access to the tips and tools that will protect your child’s health his whole life long. Sign-up for our newsletter, so you never miss a beat.
Learn more about birth defects using the following resources:
National Library of Medicine
Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction
Children's Craniofacial Association
Collaborative on Health and the Environment
Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation
March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
National Newborn Screening and Genetics Resource Center
Organization of Teratology Information Services
Save Babies through Screening Foundation
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