Every 4.5 minutes, a baby is born with a major birth defect in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Birth defects include structural differences and disorders present at birth. They are costly and can affect any family. They also range from mild to serious and include critical conditions that can cause lifelong health challenges affecting almost any part of the body, such as the heart, brain or limbs.
This January, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is recognizing Birth Defects Awareness Month and aiming to increase understanding about prevention, newborn screenings and programs and services available to affected children and their families.
“While we can’t prevent all birth defects, we can promote healthy choices before and during pregnancy to help lower the risk,” said Kimberly Hruby, HHS special health services director.
HHS and the CDC offer these tips before and during pregnancy.
- See a health care professional regularly.
- Manage chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Get 400 micrograms of folic acid daily.
- Reduce your risk of infections by washing your hands frequently and avoiding exposure to illness.
- Talk to your health care provider about staying up to date on recommended vaccines.
- Get tested for sexually transmitted infections if you are at risk.
- Talk to a health care professional before starting or changing any medications.
- Stay free of alcohol, tobacco, e‑cigarettes (vaping), and other recreational drugs.
- Maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle through balanced eating and regular physical activity.
After a child is born, newborn screening can help identify health conditions early, making diagnosis, treatment, and intervention possible.
“Early identification through newborn screening, combined with advancements in medical care and treatment, care coordination and other services are available to support the health and well-being of North Dakota children,” said Hruby.
HHS offers supportive services and programs that benefit families of children born with qualifying conditions, disabilities and developmental delays.
The HHS Special Health Services Unit serves children with chronic health needs. Services include care coordination, connecting families to pediatric specialty clinics, help paying for some diagnostic and related medical services for eligible children through its financial coverage program and more. Parents can learn more at 701-328-2436, 800-755-2714, 711 (TTY) or dohcshsadm@nd.gov.
In addition, North Dakota Medicaid may be able to help qualifying pregnant women and families with health care costs. Individuals are encouraged to apply online at hhs.nd.gov/applyforhelp.
Early intervention services can assist families by identifying whether young children (birth until their third birthday) have developmental delays, when the right help can make all the difference. This HHS program offers developmental assessments and evaluations at no cost to families. If a child qualifies, a plan is developed with parents to meet a child’s unique needs. It may include home visits from occupational, physical or speech therapists and other professionals, consultations and parent coaching.
NDQuits can help individuals quit smoking and using smokeless tobacco products, vapes, e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. The program’s mission is to improve and protect the health of North Dakotans by reducing the negative health and economic consequences of the state's number one cause of preventable disease and death – tobacco use.
Parents can find information about the programs and services listed above at hhs.nd.gov.