Preventing birth defects
Not all birth defects can be prevented, but the chance of having a a healthy baby can be increased.
Many birth defects happen very early in pregnancy, sometimes before a woman even knows she's
pregnant. Therefore, precautions are important for all women of child-bearing age.
View the folic acid and preventing birth defects program. 
The Family Heath Nurses and Women, Infants, and Children
Program (WIC) are resources for healthy families.
To prepare for a healthy pregnancy
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Take a vitamin with 400 micrograms folic acid every day.
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Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and street drugs.
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Keep hands clean by washing them often with soap and water to prevent infections.
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See a health care professional regularly. Talk with the health care professional about
problems and medicine use (both prescription and over-the-counter).
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Ask about avoiding any substances at work or at home that might be harmful to a developing
baby.
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Eat a healthy, balanced diet and include foods that are a good source of folic acid.*
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Avoid unpasteurized (raw) milk and foods made from it.
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Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat.
While pregnant
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Keep up these healthy habits.
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Get early prenatal care and go to every appointment.
*Foods high in folic acid
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Fortified breakfast cereals such as Total and Product 19
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Lentils
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Asparagus
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Spinach
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Black beans
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Peanuts (only if you do not have a peanut allergy)
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Orange juice (from concentrate is best)
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Enriched breads and pasta
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Romaine lettuce
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Broccoli
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sources: March of Dimes, National Birth Defects Prevention Network
For more information, contact:
Bloomington Public Health Division
1900 West Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington, MN 55431
PH: 952-563-8900 V/TTY
Office hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Interpreters and transportation information are available upon request.
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