A recent March of Dimes poll found out something that, for many, is actually old news: moms worry.
According to a Dec. 9 findings report from The Medical News, the poll used online software to elicit over a hundred responses between Nov. 6 and Nov. 13. Respondents answered 65 questions about what concerns them most during pregnancy.
The number one worry, according to the poll, was the issue of birth defects. It’s relevant to note that 90% of those polled had birthed a child pre-term, which is a significant risk factor for a lot of birth conditions like cerebral palsy and respiratory issues.
The report of the poll failed to make a distinction between birth defects and birth injuries. Indeed, for many, the differences remain unclear. A University of Virginia medical resource describes birth injuries as they are commonly defined: injuries that occur during birth. But other forms of birth injuries can occur during the term of the pregnancy. Many of these can be linked to side effects of certain types of drug use. Others can be linked to alcohol and tobacco use. For many parents, a birth injury is any preventable condition that occurred due to environmental factors. A birth injury condition may be slight or severe: either way, in many cases, those who can show a definitive and preventable cause for a negative condition are entitled to compensation for the cost of treating it.
When it comes to birth injuries and birth defects, mothers may be unaware of some of the greatest preventable dangers to a fetus or infant. That in itself can be a significant cause for worry. This is where learning about the realistic risks of medications, diet and more can help expecting moms sleep better at night. Getting the word out about the newest guidelines for avoiding preventable birth injuries helps reduce the rates of these conditions.
Moms aren’t the only ones that worry. A poll showing responses from expecting dads, and eagerly expecting grandparents, might further illuminate what’s on everybody’s mind during a pregnancy in the family. This theoretical poll would be likely to show that moms aren’t the only ones looking for more on how both prescribed and over the counter meds, as well as a variety of other variables, affect birth injury and birth defect risks. Keep checking ChildRC.com and other public blogs to see what’s coming out about how best way to protect your baby, and be sure to consult with your physician about any medication regimen, at the outset of pregnancy, to develop a healthy game plan for that critical nine months and beyond.
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