Prevention of Birth Defects
- Birth defects affect about one in every 33 babies born in the United States and account for more than 20% of all infant deaths (CDC).
- Babies born with birth defects have a greater chance of illness and long term disability than babies without birth defects (CDC).
- If a woman has enough folic acid in her body before she is pregnant, it can help prevent major birth defects of her baby’s brain and spine (CDC).
Task Force Recommendations & Findings
This table lists interventions reviewed by the Community Guide, with Task Force findings for each (definitions of findings).
| Interventions to Reduce the Number of Pregnancies Affected by Neural Tube Defects | |
| Community-wide campaigns to increase the use of supplements containing folic acid by women of childbearing age |
Recommended |
| Folic acid fortification of food products | Recommended |
Supporting Materials
- Logic Model
- Publications
- Included Studies
- Research Gaps
For More on this Topic
Disclaimer
The findings and conclusions on this page are those of the Task Force on Community Preventive Services and do not necessarily represent those of CDC.
Sample Citation
The content of publications of the Guide to Community Preventive Services is in the public domain. Citation as to source, however, is appreciated. Sample citation: Guide to Community Preventive Services. Prevention of birth defects. www.thecommunityguide.org/birthdefects/index.html. Last updated: MM/DD/YYYY.
- Page last reviewed: March 25, 2010
- Page last updated: March 25, 2010
- Content source: The Guide to Community Preventive Services
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The Guide to Clinical Preventive Services
Together, the Community Guide and the Clinical Guide provide evidence-based recommendations across the prevention spectrum.Contact Us:
- Community Guide Branch
National Center for Health Marketing (NCHM)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Road NE
Mailstop E-69
Atlanta, GA 30333 - Community Guide
