Prevent Birth Defects

"Learn how you can prevent infections before and during pregnancy to help protect you and your developing baby from birth defects.

Some infections before and during pregnancy can hurt you and your developing baby. They can cause serious illness, birth defects, and lifelong disabilities, such as hearing loss. Women can lower their risk of having a baby born with a birth defect by following some basic health guidelines.  This is important because many birth defects happen very early during pregnancy, sometimes before a woman even knows she is pregnant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages all women and their loved ones to “Prevent to Protect: Prevent infections for baby’s protection.”

How Many Babies Are Born With a Birth Defect?

Birth defects are structural changes present at birth that can affect almost any part or parts of the body such as the heart, brain, or foot. Birth defects are common, costly, and critical conditions that affect 1 in 33 babies born in the United States..."
Birth defects