Blunt signs proclamation to raise awareness of birth defects prevention

Missouri Governor Matt Blunt has signed a proclamation to increase public awareness about the importance of preventing birth defects.

Experts say that about six percent of babies in Missouri are born with a birth defect that can result in death or lifelong disability, but women can take a number of steps to reduce their baby's risk. January is Missouri Birth Defects Prevention and Awareness Month.

"We want to raise the awareness of how birth defects can be prevented so we can improve the health of Missouri babies and their mothers," Gov. Blunt said. "Working with the March of Dimes, my administration has taken a lead in improving the newborn screening system.

" Previously, Missouri was only screening newborns for five of the 29 conditions recommended for testing by the March of Dimes. We sought to change this system and we succeeded. Missouri now performs all of the recommended screenings."

One key to a healthy baby is a healthy mother, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

"In recent years there has been an emphasis on a woman's health before and during pregnancy as one of the best ways to prevent birth defects," said Sharmini Rogers, chief of the health department's Bureau of Genetics and Healthy Childhood. "It is essential that women establish good health habits before conception in order to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby."

Women of childbearing age should make sure they are as healthy as possible before becoming pregnant by:

* Taking a multivitamin containing 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily. When taken prior to conception and during the early weeks of pregnancy, folic acid can prevent 50 to 70 percent of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly.

* Having a pre-pregnancy checkup from a health care provider.

* Learning about their family medical history.

* Managing chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and seizure disorders.

* Avoiding alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use.

Although the cause of many birth defects is unknown, some birth defects, such as those associated with maternal infections during pregnancy, can be prevented. To stay clear of infections, pregnant women are urged to take the following steps:

* Wash hands frequently and thoroughly.

* Avoid unpasteurized (raw) milk, and foods that contain it, as well as raw or undercooked meat.

* Avoid people who have an infection.

* Talk to their doctors about vaccinations.

* Try not to share utensils, cups or food with young children.

* Avoid touching or changing dirty cat litter.

* Avoid wild or pet rodents and their droppings.

Every year in Missouri, more than 4,500 babies are born with birth defects. For those infants, early identification, diagnosis and intervention services can save lives and improve long-term health.

Blunt has made newborn screening a priority and has worked closely with March of Dimes to ensure every baby born in Missouri will be tested for 67 genetic conditions.

The tests include the 29 tests recommended by the March of Dimes and 38 secondary tests. Before he became governor, Missouri was only screening for five conditions.

In addition, the Missouri Newborn Hearing Screening Program assures that all babies in the state receive a hearing screen and follow-up care to increase the likelihood that children with hearing loss will achieve communication skills equal to their peers.

"While we focus on birth defects prevention and awareness during the month of January, we work throughout the year to increase public awareness and reduce the number of babies born with birth defects," Rogers said.

For more information about birth defects prevention and the steps women of childbearing age can take to provide the best outcome for their baby, visit the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Web site at http://www.dhss.mo.gov/BirthDefects/.

Birth Defect Prevention Month is sponsored annually by the National Birth Defects Prevention Network.