Birth Defects Prevention Month Early Awareness and Timely Care Can Prevent Up to 70% Birth Defects, Say Experts

Mumbai, January 2026: – January is observed globally as Birth Defects Prevention Month, highlighting the importance of awareness, early diagnosis, and preventive healthcare to reduce congenital anomalies. Birth defects affect nearly 1 in every 33 newborns worldwide, accounting for approximately 3–6% of all births. In India, congenital anomalies are among the top five causes of neonatal mortality, making prevention and early intervention a critical public health priority.

Medical experts emphasize that up to 70% of birth defects can be prevented or their severity reduced through simple yet timely measures such as pre-pregnancy counselling, adequate nutrition, folic acid supplementation, vaccination, and regular antenatal check-ups.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mangala Patil, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, said, “Many people believe birth defects are unavoidable, but that is a myth. Scientific evidence shows that planned pregnancies, early screening, and lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce risks. Folic acid intake before and during early pregnancy alone can lower the risk of neural tube defects by nearly 70%.”

According to global health data, neural tube defects, congenital heart diseases, and cleft lip and palate are among the most common birth defects. Studies indicate that maternal infections, uncontrolled diabetes, anemia, tobacco and alcohol use, nutritional deficiencies, and delayed detection significantly increase the risk.

Dr. Mangala Patil further emphasized the importance of timely and stage-wise antenatal screening, adding, “Women should ideally seek medical advice even before conception. During pregnancy, a regular obstetric NTNB scan and Level-1 anomaly scan between 11 to 13.6 weeks, combined with Dual Marker testing or NIPT, play a crucial role in early detection. Dual Marker and NIPT tests are primarily used to identify chromosomal abnormalities at an early stage.”

She also highlighted that, “A targeted obstetric anomaly scan around 18–22 weeks is essential to detect structural abnormalities in the fetus. Additionally, an obstetric fetal 2D echo between 22–24 weeks helps assess the fetal cardiac status and diagnose congenital heart defects at the right time.”

Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, continues to focus on comprehensive maternal and fetal care by offering advanced prenatal screening, genetic counseling, fetal medicine services, and multidisciplinary management for high-risk pregnancies.

As Birth Defects Prevention Month 2026 is observed, doctors urge families and communities to prioritize pre-pregnancy planning, early antenatal registration, regular screening, balanced nutrition, and awareness, reinforcing the message that healthy beginnings lead to healthier futures. January is observed globally as Birth Defects Prevention Month to raise awareness about congenital conditions, which affect 3%–6% of infants worldwide. The campaign focuses on preventing, detecting, and managing these conditions through healthy lifestyle choices, proper nutrition (especially folic acid), and regular prenatal care to ensure healthier pregnancies.