National Birth Defects Prevention Month

National Birth Defects Prevention Month: Raising Awareness for Healthy Pregnancies

National Birth Defects Prevention Month is an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about birth defects, their prevention, and supporting families affected by these conditions. It aims to educate the public about the importance of healthy pregnancies and early interventions to reduce the risk of birth defects.

Quick Facts

When is it?: January
Tagged as: Health awareness month
What’s the hashtag?: #NBDAM or #EveryJourneyMatters
When was it founded?: 1997
Who founded it?: National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN)

History of National Birth Defects Prevention Month

The National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) established National Birth Defects Prevention Month in 1997. This initiative was created with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to establish a national network of state and population-based programs for birth defects surveillance and research.

Timeline

1997: NBDPN founded and National Birth Defects Prevention Month established
2000: Annual reports on birth defects begin publication in scientific journals
2003: Annual reports move to the Journal of Birth Defects Research Part A
2010: NBDPN becomes a 501(c)3 not-for-profit volunteer organization
2025: Current focus on “Every Journey Matters” theme

National Birth Defects Prevention Month Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	January 1-31	Wednesday
2026	January 1-31	Thursday
2027	January 1-31	Friday
2028	January 1-31	Saturday
2029	January 1-31	Monday
2030	January 1-31	Tuesday

Observed National Birth Defects Prevention Month

National Birth Defects Prevention Month is observed throughout January each year. During this time, healthcare organizations, advocacy groups, and communities come together to spread awareness about birth defects and their prevention.

The observance focuses on promoting healthy pregnancies, highlighting ways to reduce the risk of birth defects, and sharing resources and support services available within communities across the nation.

Various activities and campaigns are organized to educate the public about the importance of prenatal care, healthy lifestyle choices, and early interventions to improve outcomes for children born with birth defects.

Fun Facts About National Birth Defects Prevention Month

Birth defects affect 1 in 33 babies born in the United States each year
The campaign theme changes annually to focus on different aspects of prevention
Social media plays a significant role in spreading awareness during this month
Many states issue official proclamations recognizing the observance
The month promotes both prevention strategies and support for affected families

Quiz

In which month is National Birth Defects Prevention Month observed?
What does the acronym NBDPN stand for?
How often does a baby with a birth defect born in the US?
What is one of the hashtags used for this awareness month?
Which organization helped establish the NBDPN?

(Answers: 1. January, 2. National Birth Defects Prevention Network, 3. Every 4.5 minutes, 4. #NBDAM, 5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

FAQs

What are birth defects?
Birth defects are structural changes present at birth that can affect almost any part of the body. They may impact how the body looks, works, or both.

Can all birth defects be prevented?
Not all birth defects can be prevented, but there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk, such as taking folic acid and avoiding harmful substances during pregnancy.

How common are birth defects?
Birth defects affect approximately 1 in 33 babies born in the United States each year.

What should I do if my child is born with a birth defect?
If your child is born with a birth defect, work closely with your healthcare provider to understand the condition and explore treatment options. Seek support from specialized organizations and support groups.

How can I get involved in National Birth Defects Prevention Month?
You can participate by sharing awareness information on social media, attending local events, or volunteering with organizations that support families affected by birth defects.

Importance of National Birth Defects Prevention Month

National Birth Defects Prevention Month plays a crucial role in public health education. It provides a platform to disseminate vital information about prenatal health and the prevention of birth defects to a wide audience.

The month-long observance helps to highlight the latest research and medical advancements in the field of birth defects prevention and treatment. This information can be life-changing for expectant parents and healthcare providers alike.

Moreover, this awareness month fosters a sense of community and support for families affected by birth defects. It encourages open discussions about these conditions, reducing stigma and promoting understanding and inclusion.