National Birth Defects Prevention Month
January is Birth Defects Prevention Month. The theme for 2021 is “Best for You. Best for Baby.” We know that not all birth defects can be prevented. But, you can increase your chances of having a healthy baby by doing what you can to be your healthiest self both before and during pregnancy. What is best for you is also best for your baby.
The NBDPN Education and Outreach Committee has developed materials and resources to assist state program staff and others interested in raising awareness during National Birth Defects Prevention Month.
Download the entire 2021 packet - PDF
Materials:
- 2021 "Best for You. Best for Baby" theme resources PDF
- Tools you can use PDF
- Sample proclamation MS Word | PDF
- Sample news release MS Word | PDF
- Educational Flyer: Tips for Dad PDF
- Social media how-to PDF
- Materials for partners PDF
- Videos English | Spanish
- Social media graphics here
Partner Resources:
- Best for You. Best for Baby. Promo kit from the CDC.
- Read the MotherToBaby fact sheet on influenza (flu) here.
- Resources provided from the Society for Birth Defects Research & Prevention:
- Resources on specific birth defects (on-line only)
- Birth Defects Awareness Public Service Announcement (PSA)
- Preconception Health and Health Care Initiative
- Free materials from the CDC on: birth defects, FAS and NTD/folic acid
- March of Dimes NTD/folic acid and Healthy Pregnancy materials
Materials:
- 2018 "Prevent to Protect" theme resources PDF
- Sample proclamation MS Word | PDF
- Sample news releases MS Word | PDF
- Sample newsletter articles MS Word | PDF
- Sample letters MS Word | PDF
- Fact sheet for policy makers MS Word | PDF
- Educational resources for Men MS Word | PDF
- Materials for local Public Health departments MS Word | PDF
Make a PACT for Prevention
Making Healthy Choices to Prevent Birth Defects - Make a PACT for Prevention." We know that not all birth defects can be prevented. But, we also know that women can increase their chances of having a healthy baby by managing health conditions and adopting healthy behaviors before and during pregnancy. Please encourage all pregnant women and those who may become pregnant to make a PACT to:
- Plan ahead
- Get as healthy as possible before becoming pregnant.
- Get 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day.
- Avoid harmful substances
- Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking.
- Be careful with harmful exposures at work and home.
- Choose a healthy lifestyle
- Eat a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean proteins.
- Be physically active.
- Work to get medical conditions like diabetes under control.
- Talk to your healthcare provider
- Get a medical checkup.
- Discuss all medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.
- Talk about your family medical history.