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Preventing Birth Defects

10 Ways to Prepare Your Body
for Pregnancy

By Kelly Burgess

Research shows that women exposed to severe stress are more likely to give birth to children with birth defects. Stress has also been linked to a higher risk of miscarriage, preterm birth and infertility.

Dr. Alice Domar, director of the Mind/Body center for Women's Health at Boston IVF, says there are a number of ways to manage stress, from counseling to yoga to biofeedback, and that a consultation with a psychologist can help.

While the human papillomavirus (HPV) has not been linked to birth defects, it has been linked to an increased risk of preterm labor, which can result in serious brain and lung impairment in children. It's estimated that at least 50 percent of sexually active men and women acquire genital HPV infection at some point in their lives.

It goes without saying that illegal drugs are always bad. However, many prescription drugs are not safe to take during pregnancy. Always consult with your OB/GYN so he or she can do a thorough review of any prescription medicine you may be taking, especially for chronic conditions, to determine if they're safe in pregnancy.

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