The National Defects Prevention Study, NBDPS, is one of the largest studies looking into the causes of birth defects and is being conducted in multiple states.
“What makes the study important?
Learning the causes of birth defects can help us to prevent them. The size and scope of this study will provide the nation with a vast resource to look at possible causes of birth defects. It will also help us to identify new substances in our environment that might be harmful to developing babies. We will also investigate the role that genetic factors play in the development of a baby, especially those genetic factors that interact with substances in our environment. The valuable information we get from the study will help to develop effective programs to prevent birth defects.”
I think everyone know the importance of a healthy diet. Americans on average don’t eat enough fruits and vegetable. Before and during pregnancy, fresh fruit and vegetables are even more important.
“Health conditions such as weight and diabetes affect the pregnancy, as does exercise, We don’t really know the cause of congenital heart defects. 
We do believe that there are both genetic factors, and that means a defect in a gene or a part of a gene that leads to development of the heart defect, and also environmental factors — exposure to infectious agents or exposure to certain toxic agents, or even not receiving pre-natal vitamins. If someone wants to prevent a heart defect, all they can do is make sure they receive pre-natal vitamins, they don’t smoke, and they try to lead a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy. Beyond that, there’s not really much a parent can do to prevent a heart defect in their child.drinking, smoking, and other risky behavior.” - Robert Morrow, M.D., Chief, Pediatric Cardiology, David Clark Chair in Pediatric Cardiology, Arkansas Children’s Hospital
Although we have limited control over our environment, we can make changes around the home. Many cleaning products today have warnings about burning the skin, causing eye damage, or affecting respiration.
Doesn’t it make sense to avoid bringing toxic chemicals into our homes?
