Decreasing the Chance of Birth Defects
About 3% to 5% of babies are born with birth defects. A healthy lifestyle can prevent some of these.
Diaphragm
The diaphragm is a barrier method of contraception. It is a ring-shaped device that fits inside the vagina and covers the cervix.
Down Syndrome
Down syndrome is a birth defect that occurs in approximately 1 in 900 births. It is the most common birth defect.
Drug Use During Pregnancy
It is estimated that 10% to 45% of pregnant women in the first trimester, unaware of their condition, reach for the most common over-the-counter drug: aspirin.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy is a condition where a pregnancy develops outside of its normal position within the uterus, such as in the fallopian tube.
Female Condom
The female condom is one of several barrier-type contraceptive methods available for use by women.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
The term "alcohol-related birth defect" (ARBD) describes a range of anatomic or functional abnormalities attributed to prenatal alcohol exposure. The most severe effects are described as fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).
Folate and Birth Defects
If you plan to have children some day, here is important information for the future mother-to-be: THINK FOLATE NOW.
Folic Acid Fortification
The United States Public Health Service recommends that all women of childbearing age consume 400 micrograms (ug) of folic acid daily to reduce their risk of having a pregnancy affected with spina bifida or other neural tube defects.
Home Pregnancy Tests
Home pregnancy kits provide privacy and fast results.can d They can detect pregnancy as early as 6 days after conception, or 1 day after a missed menstrual period.
Immunizations During Pregnancy
Most women are immunized against certain diseases at a young age. When this doesn't occur, immunizations become an important part of prenatal care.
Intrauterine Device (IUD)
The intrauterine device is an implantable device that is inserted into the uterus. Small doses of a particular substance are released into the uterus, blocking the sperm from entering the fallopian tubes and thus preventing pregnancy.
Is the Consumption of Fish Dangerous During Pregnancy?
Healthcare officials have issued a new advisory on the dangers of eating fish. Healthcare officials are concerned that the level of mercury in fish might pose certain risks to a developing fetus.
Natural Family Planning
Natural family planning uses a variety of methods that seek to prevent pregnancy by either avoiding intercourse around the time of ovulation, or using knowledge of the time of ovulation to use other methods such as condoms, diaphragms, or spermicides.
Norplant
The Norplant system for contraception is the longest acting, yet reversible form of birth control that is currently available in the United States.
Nutrition and Supplements for Pregnancy
Even before pregnancy begins, nutrition is a primary factor in the health of mother and baby. A well-balanced diet before conception contributes to a healthy pregnancy, and will probably need few changes.
Oral Contraceptives (Birth Control Pills)
Despite their widespread use, many people have developed a number of misconceptions about the use and safety of oral contraceptives.
Preconceptual Counseling
If you are having sex and capable of becoming pregnant, you should be taking 0.4 mg. of folic acid each day in case you become pregnant--even if you are not planning to become pregnant for a long time.
Pregnancy and Eating Disorders
One of the most important things a woman can do to ensure a healthy pregnancy for herself and her baby is to eat a well-balanced diet. Good nutrition during pregnancy is essential to creating an environment that allows the baby to grow and flourish.
Pregnancy in Your 30s and Beyond
Over the past two decades, the increase in the number of women becoming pregnant in their 30s and 40s has increased dramatically.
Risks During Pregnancy
Many women have concerns regarding exposure to X-rays, radiation, and anesthetic agents during pregnancy.
Spermicides
Spermicides are chemicals that reduce the risk of pregnancy by killing the sperm before they can reach the egg.
Tay-Sachs Disease
Tay-Sachs Disease is an inherited, neurodegenerative disorder found in eastern European Jewish families and some French-Canadian families. It is characterized by progressive mental and physical retardation, and early death.
Vitamin A and Birth Defects
The consumption of vitamin A at levels at or above 10,000 IU (200% of the Daily Value, or DV), or 3000 Retinol equivalents (REs), and some types of birth defects has raised serious public health concerns.
Want to be a parent? If you and your spouse are contemplating starting a family, you could not have picked a better time. Healthcare has continued to improve over the last few decades, women are healthier than ever, and prenatal care is excellent. Read the articles listed below to learn the steps necessary to help prevent risks to you and your baby during development and delivery. You will be well on your way to becoming the perfect parent!
