North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services

01/08/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/08/2025 11:03

January is Birth Defects Prevention Month; HHS reminds people about prevention and resources to assist children and families

Wednesday, January 8, 2025 - 11:00am

Every 4.5 minutes, a baby is born with a major birth defect in the U.S. according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Birth defects include structural changes and disorders present at birth. They are common, costly and can affect any family. They also range from mild to serious and include critical conditions that can cause lifelong health challenges affecting almost any part of the body, such as the heart, brain or limbs.

This January, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is recognizing Birth Defects Prevention Month and raising awareness about prevention, newborn screenings and programs and services available to affected children and their families.

"While we can't prevent all birth defects, we can promote healthy choices before and during pregnancy to help lower the risk," explained Kimberly Hruby, HHS Special Health Services director.

HHS and the CDC offer these tips before and during pregnancy.

  • See a health care professional regularly
  • Get 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily.
  • Try to reduce the risk for infections.
  • Talk to your health care provider and get up to date on recommended vaccines.
  • Wash your hands often to prevent illnesses.
  • Get tested for sexually transmitted infections.
  • Talk to a health care professional about taking any medications.
  • Avoid alcohol, tobacco and other recreational drugs.
  • After a child is born, newborn screenings done in North Dakota hospitals can help identify health conditions early, making diagnosis, treatment and intervention possible.

"Early identification through newborn screening, combined with advancements in medical care and treatment, care coordination and other services are available to support the health and well-being of North Dakota children," added Hruby.

HHS offers several supportive services and programs that benefit families of children born with qualifying conditions, disabilities and developmental delays.

The HHS Special Health Services Unit serves children with chronic health needs. Services include care coordination, connecting families to pediatric specialty clinics, help paying for some diagnostic and related medical services for eligible children through its Financial Coverage Program, and more. Parents can learn more at (701) 328-2436, (800) 755-2714, 711 (TTY) or [email protected].

In addition, North Dakota Medicaid may be able to help qualifying pregnant women and families with health care costs. Individuals are encouraged to apply online at hhs.nd.gov/applyforhelp.

Early Intervention Services can assist families by identifying whether young children (birth until their third birthday) have developmental delays, when the right help can make all the difference. This HHS program offers developmental assessments and evaluations at no cost to families. If a child qualifies, a plan is developed with parents to meet a child's unique needs. It may include home visits from occupational, physical or speech therapists and other professionals, consultations and parent coaching.

Parents can find information about the programs and services listed above at hhs.nd.gov.