Welcome to Healthy Start!

The Mission of Healthy Start, Inc. is to focus primarily on the reduction of infant mortality and low birth weight babies in Southwestern Pennsylvania in such a way as to make valuable use of its resources, preserve its flexibility and continue to offer seamless services with the intent of improving the quality of life of infants, toddlers, youths, siblings, parents, and grandparents.

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January is

  National Birth Defects Prevention Month!

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What are Birth Defects?

Birth defects are abnormal conditions that happen before or at the time of birth. Some are mild–like an extra finger or toe. Some are very serious–like a heart defect. They can cause physical, mental, or medical problems. Some, like down syndrome or sickle cell anemia, are caused by genetic factors. Others are caused by certain drugs, medicines or chemicals. But the causes of most birth defects are still a mystery. Researchers are working hard to learn the causes of birth defects so that we can find ways to prevent them.

 

How Serious are Birth Defects?

One in 33 babies is born with a birth defect. Many people believe that birth defects only happen to other people. Birth defects can and do happen in any family. About 120,000 babies in the U.S. each year have birth defects.

 

Did You Know?

• Birth defects are the leading cause of death in children less than one year of age–causing one in every five deaths.

• 18 babies die each day in the U.S. as a result of a birth defect. Defects of the heart and limbs are the most common kinds of birth defects.

• Millions of dollars are spent every year for the care and treatment of children with birth defects. Birth defects are a serious problem.

 

What Steps Can Women Take to Prevent Birth Defects? 

Not all birth defects can be prevented. But a woman can increase her own chance of having a healthy baby. Many birth defects happen very early in pregnancy, sometimes before a woman even knows she is pregnant. Remember that about half of all pregnancies are unplanned.

  

Here are some steps a woman can take to get ready for a healthy pregnancy:

·         Take a vitamin with 400 micrograms (mcg) folic acid every day.

·         Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and street drugs.

·         Keep hands clean by washing them often with soap and water to  prevent infections.

·         See your doctor regularly.

·         Talk with your doctor about any medical problems and medicine use (both prescription and over-the-counter).

·         Ask about avoiding any substances at work or at home that might be harmful to your growing baby.

·         Eat a healthy, balanced diet.

·         Avoid eating raw or under cooked meat.

  

While Pregnant:

·         Keep up these healthy habits.

·         Get early prenatal care and go to every appointment.

 

Ask your doctor or local health department how to plan for a healthy baby or call Healthy Start, Inc. now at (412) 247-4009.

Information taken from National Birth Defects Prevention Network