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). Click on an underlined intervention title for a summary of the review.
| Community-wide campaigns to promote the use of folic acid supplements | Recommended |
| Interventions to fortify food products with folic acid | Recommended |
For More on this Topic
CDC, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
Disclaimer
The findings and conclusions on this page are those of the Community Preventive Services Task Force 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: January 26, 2011
- Page last updated: December 23, 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
Epidemiology and Analysis Program Office (EAPO)
Office of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services (OSELS)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Road NE
Mailstop E-69
Atlanta, GA 30333 - Community Guide
