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Tips for Preventing Birth Defects

 
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Do Not Smoke

Smoking is hazardous to everyone’s health. It leads to lung cancer, lung disease such as emphysema, heart disease, stroke and cataracts. Quitting the habit is a good thing, especially for women who are considering pregnancy. Women who smoke during pregnancy put their babies at high risk for premature birth, cleft lip and cleft palate, placental abruption and death from sudden infant death syndrome. Placental abruption occurs when the placenta peels away from the uterine wall. Severe cases deprive the baby of oxygen and nutrients thus increasing the risk for poor fetal growth and still birth. It is never too early or too late for a woman to quit smoking. Second hand smoke should be avoided because it puts both mother and child at risk for health problems.

Photo: Getty Images

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