PACT for Prevention

COMMIT TO HEALTHY CHOICES TO HELP PREVENT BIRTH DEFECTS

Plan Ahead

Plan Ahead

  • Get 400 mcg of folic acid everyday.
  • Folic acid is Vitamin D so make sure you have plenty before and during pregnancy because it can help prevent major birth defects of the developing brain and spine.

Avoid Harmful Substances/ Avoid Smoking Cigarettes/ Avoid Marijuana/Other "street drugs"

  • Avoid alcohol at any time during pregnancy.
  • THERE IS NO SAFE TIME TO DRINK ALCOHOL DURING PREGNANCY!!
  • This can cause a miscarriage, stillbirth, and a range of lifelong physical, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities.

CHOOSE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

  • Keep diabetes under control.
  • Poor control can increase the chances of birth defects.
  • This can also cause serious problems for the woman.

TALK WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER

  • Talk to a healthcare provider about taking medications or getting shots.
  • A certain amount of medication can cause serious birth defects if they are taken during pregnancy.
  • Most shots are safe during pregnancy, such as the flu.
  • Pregnant women are more prone to illness from the flu, including hospitalizations and even death.
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