• Although the focus of our coalition is folic acid awareness – we all have one major goal in mind: healthy babies. While the cause of most birth defects is unknown, there is still much that is known about how to have the best chance of having a healthy baby.
  • Some tips for things you can do to have the best chance of having a healthy baby are:
    • Use folic acid as recommended. OF COURSE!
    • Avoid the use of alcohol in any amount at any time in your pregnancy. Alcohol related birth defects are very common – and entirely preventable. Because Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders are so important, we have included extra information about this important category of birth defects. Click here for more information on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Click here to visit the Arkansas None for Nine website. 
    • Health concerns, using meds
    • Avoid the use of cigarettes and other recreational drugs
    • Remember that just because something is ‘natural’ doesn’t mean it is safe. Check with your doctor before using any vitamins, minerals, herbal products, energy drinks, home remedies or supplements before getting pregnant
    • Stabilize your weight before getting pregnant. Pregnancy is not the time to lose weight.
    • Note that things such as second-hand smoke can be just as bad for your baby as if you had done it yourself.
      • Assess your school or workplace for possible harmful exposures.
      • Ask your partner (and others living in the home) to help you by adjusting their habits so you are not tempted
    • Avoid contact with uncooked meats and kitty litter.
    • Your doctor may want to do blood tests to check for your infection status