CDC Study Highlights Risk Factors for Birth Defects in Women

One in 33 babies born in the United States is affected by birth defects, according to the latest findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, emphasizes the importance of addressing specific risk factors that can contribute to these conditions.

The research highlights five modifiable risk factors that women and public health officials can manage: obesity, diabetes, smoking exposure, food insecurity, and low levels of folate, a crucial vitamin for cellular production. Alarmingly, approximately 66% of women aged 12 to 49 possess at least one of these risk factors, with 10% reporting three or more. The study’s conclusions stem from data collected between 2007 and 2020 from 5,374 women participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Arick Wang, a health scientist at the CDC and lead author of the study, stated, “We can’t underscore enough how important it is to raise awareness about these risk factors and encourage women to speak with their doctors if they have any concerns or questions before becoming pregnant.” She noted that preventative measures, such as consuming the recommended 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, and managing blood sugar levels, can significantly reduce these risks.

Birth defects remain a leading cause of infant mortality, and many factors contributing to these conditions can begin before a woman even realizes she is pregnant. While the exact causes of birth defects often remain elusive, a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors is generally acknowledged as contributing to their occurrence.

Dr. Michael Warren, chief medical and health officer of March of Dimes, emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues. “This should be a wake-up call to all of us,” he said. Warren, who was not involved in the study, highlighted the need for accessible nutritious foods and safe environments for physical activity. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly those related to food insecurity, can hinder the proper development of a fetus’s organs, including issues associated with low folate levels, which are linked to neural tube defects.

Since 1998, the Food and Drug Administration has mandated that enriched cereal grain products be fortified with folic acid, a policy estimated to prevent over 1,300 neural tube defect cases annually. Despite these efforts, birth defects continue to occur for reasons that remain largely unknown. As noted by Wendy Nembhard, director of the Arkansas Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention, even with optimal health practices, some pregnancies can still result in undesired outcomes.

Obesity stands out as the most prevalent modifiable risk factor in the CDC study, affecting roughly one-third of the women surveyed. The connection between obesity and birth defects is not fully understood, but it is believed that metabolic changes in women may disrupt fetal development. Elevated blood sugar levels from diabetes can similarly contribute to abnormal organ development, while chemicals in cigarette smoke, including nicotine, can impair oxygen supply to the fetus.

There is a clear call for increased efforts to mitigate these risks. In Mississippi, for instance, a public health emergency was declared last week in response to high infant mortality rates, with a commitment to eliminate “care deserts” where women lack access to obstetric services.

The release of this study comes as the CDC faces significant changes, including proposed funding cuts and staff layoffs. In March, the Department of Health and Human Services announced plans to terminate 2,400 CDC employees. However, a federal judge recently blocked certain layoffs for specific programs, including the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, which conducted this critical research.

As awareness grows around these preventable risk factors, health officials and advocates continue to stress the importance of proactive health measures. The findings of this study serve as a crucial reminder that many risk factors affecting maternal and infant health can be addressed through informed actions and support.