Date
Wednesday
Jan

January 1-31

National Birth Defects Prevention Month

Join the fight this National Birth Defects Prevention Month by spreading awareness and supporting organizations that work towards prevention!

Yearly Date
January 1
Type
Month
Category
Health

Introduction

Happy National Birth Defects Prevention Month! As we kick off the new year on January 1, let's take a moment to raise awareness about this important cause. This month-long observance was established in 2003 by the National Birth Defects Prevention Network with the goal of promoting education and prevention strategies to reduce the number of birth defects worldwide. It's a time to honor and support families affected by birth defects, as well as spread knowledge and resources for prevention. Let's join together to make a positive impact in the lives of those affected by birth defects.

National Birth Defects Prevention Month Timeline

1961
Recognition of Birth Defects
Dr. James G. Wilson presents the concept of "Teratology," the study of birth defects, focusing on understanding developmental disorders and their causes.
1973
Establishment of NBDPN
The National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) is established to conduct surveillance and research, and to work towards the prevention of birth defects.
1983
First Folic Acid Studies
Research begins to confirm that consumption of Folic Acid can help prevent certain birth defects, which leads to later dietary supplement recommendations.
1998
FDA Regulation on Folic Acid
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandates that folic acid be added to enriched cereal grain products in efforts to prevent neural tube defects.
2010
Recognition of January as NBDPM
January is officially recognized as National Birth Defects Prevention Month to improve birth defect surveillance, research, and prevention.
2019
CDC's "Five Tips" Campaign
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) unveils its "Five Tips for Preventing Birth Defects" campaign, emphasizing steps for prevention.

How to Celebrate National Birth Defects Prevention Month

1

Spread awareness

Share information and resources on social media, in your community, and with friends and family to help raise awareness about birth defects and how they can be prevented.

2

Host a fundraiser

Organize a fundraiser for a local organization that supports families affected by birth defects or funds research for prevention. This can be a bake sale, charity walk, or any other creative idea you come up with!

3

Educate yourself

Take the time to learn more about birth defects and what causes them. This will not only help you understand the importance of prevention, but also how to support those affected by them.

4

Reach out to a family affected by birth defects

Connect with a family in your community who is affected by birth defects and offer your support and assistance. This can be a simple act of kindness that can make a big difference in their lives.

5

Host a healthy pregnancy workshop

Organize a workshop for expectant mothers to learn about how to have a healthy pregnancy and reduce the risk of birth defects. You can invite healthcare professionals to speak and provide resources for attendees.

Why National Birth Defects Prevention Month is Important

A

It increases awareness about birth defects and their prevention

National Birth Defects Prevention Month is an important time to educate the public about the causes of birth defects and how they can be prevented. By increasing awareness, we can help to reduce the number of babies born with these conditions.

B

It promotes healthy pregnancies and births

During National Birth Defects Prevention Month, there is a focus on encouraging women to adopt healthy lifestyles before and during pregnancy. This includes things like taking folic acid supplements, avoiding harmful substances, and receiving necessary vaccinations - all of which can greatly reduce the risk of birth defects.

C

It offers support for families affected by birth defects

For families who have a child born with a birth defect, National Birth Defects Prevention Month serves as a reminder that they are not alone. It provides resources for families to access support and connect with others going through similar experiences, helping to ease the physical, emotional, and financial burdens that come with caring for a child with a birth defect.

National Birth Defects Prevention Month Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Dec 31
Saturday
2024
Dec 31
Sunday
2025
Dec 31
Tuesday
2026
Dec 31
Wednesday
2027
Dec 31
Thursday