The Maternal Diet and Birth Defects

Birth defects are a type of functional or structural abnormality present at birth that cause mental and physical disabilities. They are also the number one cause of infant death. With the proper use of supplements and dietary nutrition, before and during pregnancy, a large number of birth defects can be prevented.

Getting Enough Vitamins

Not getting enough vitamins and failing to get adequate nutrition puts both mom and baby at risk during pregnancy. One of the risks is birth defects. Neural tube defects are a type of birth defect that can result from a lack of folate. Anencephaly and spina bifida are two neural tube defects we often hear about. To prevent these defects, mom has to ensure she is getting sufficient folate, especially during the first trimester.

Vitamin B12 is another vitamin that is critical during pregnancy. It can be found in poultry, eggs and meats. It is recommended that pregnant women get 2.6 micrograms per day. This vitamin also plays a role in helping to prevent neural tube defects.

Folic acid is important during pregnancy, particularly the first trimester. When pregnant women are getting adequate amounts, most neural tube defects are prevented. She should be getting, either from folate-containing foods or supplements, 400 micrograms per day. Green leafy vegetables, fortified orange juice, peas, fortified grains, dried beans and fruits contain folic acid.

Possible Birth Defects

Congenital heart disease may be seen in pregnant women who fail to get enough niacin and riboflavin. This is especially true if mom eats a diet rich in saturated fats. Riboflavin can be found in dairy products, green leafy vegetables and liver. Niacin can be found in liver, whole grains, chicken, nuts and fish.

If pregnant women do not get enough vitamin E, selenium, vitamin B12 and retinol they run the risk of their baby having congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Simply taking a vitamin supplement everyday can greatly reduce the risk.

If a woman consumes alcohol during her pregnancy she runs the risk of fetal alcohol syndrome. Babies with this syndrome are poorly developed, are smaller and have problems are throughout life.

Following a poor diet throughout pregnancy puts a baby at risk for a birth defect known as gastroschisis. This birth defect is characterized by a tear or fissure in the baby's abdominal wall. Risk factors include low zinc or protein during pregnancy and a low body mass index. Additional risk factors include smoking and inadequate nutrition.

A cleft palate may occur if mom is not getting proper nutrition or if mom is on a restricted diet. Isolated cleft palate is associated with a lack of vitamin a and folic acid in mom's diet.

Prenatal Vitamins and the Baby

Both mom and baby need proper nutritional support throughout the pregnancy and prenatal vitamins can ensure that the critical amounts are met. Adding calcium and iron supplements are also very important for a baby that is developing. A poor diet increases the risk of birth defects, pregnancies not going to full-term, premature birth and high-risk pregnancy.

Resources

Merck Manuals: Birth Defects