Seven pregnancy care and vaccination steps that help reduce birth defect risks

Observed each year on 03 March, World Birth Defects Day highlights the importance of prevention, early detection and quality care for babies born with congenital conditions.

While not all birth defects can be prevented, steps taken before and during pregnancy including vaccination, supplementation and early clinical care can significantly lower certain risks and improve outcomes for both mother and child.

Primary healthcare clinics play an important frontline role in supporting safer pregnancy journeys and guiding parents through preventive care.

Lizeth Kruger, Dis-Chem Baby City National Clinic Executive, says early planning and informed action remain some of the most effective protective tools available.

“Simple preventive steps, from checking vaccinations to starting antenatal care early, can make a meaningful difference to pregnancy outcomes,” she says.

Kruger shares seven essential steps every parent should know.

Check Your Vaccination Status Before Pregnancy

1. Check your vaccination status before pregnancy

Women planning a pregnancy should review their immunisation status as early as possible so that any needed vaccines can be given safely beforehand. Protection against rubella is especially important, as infection during pregnancy can lead to serious congenital complications affecting the baby’s hearing, heart, eyes and brain.

Pre-pregnancy health checks also create an opportunity to discuss other recommended vaccines and overall readiness for pregnancy.

Start Antenatal Care Early And Attend Regularly

2. Start antenatal care early and attend regularly

Antenatal care should ideally begin at around eight weeks of pregnancy or as soon as a woman knows she is pregnant. Early clinic visits allow healthcare workers to confirm the pregnancy, estimate gestational age, monitor early foetal development, screen for potential risks and provide essential supplements and guidance.

Regular follow-up visits help track the baby’s growth and the mother’s health throughout pregnancy. Delaying the first visit can mean missed opportunities for early intervention and prevention.

Follow Recommended Maternal Vaccines During Pregnancy

3. Follow recommended maternal vaccines during pregnancy

Certain vaccines are recommended during pregnancy, including influenza and whooping cough (pertussis), in line with national guidelines. These vaccines help protect the mother from serious illness and also pass protective antibodies to the baby before birth.

This early protection is especially valuable in the first months of life, before the infant’s own vaccination schedule begins.

Take Folic Acid And Other Key Supplements

4. Take folic acid and other key supplements

Folic acid is one of the most important supplements before and during early pregnancy, as it helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects affecting the brain and spinal cord.

Ideally, folic acid should be started before conception and continued throughout the pregnancy. Pregnant women are also commonly given iron and calcium supplements. Iron helps prevent anaemia, which is common in pregnancy, but may cause side effects such as nausea or constipation.

Eating small, frequent meals instead of large portions can help reduce nausea, and iron tablets may be taken with food if needed. Clinics can also advise on managing side effects without stopping supplementation.

Keep Your Baby’s Vaccination Plan In Mind From Birth

5. Keep your baby’s vaccination plan in mind from birth

Protection against some serious congenital and early-life infections begins soon after birth through routine childhood immunisation. Parents should discuss the newborn vaccination schedule during antenatal visits so they know what to expect.

Staying on schedule after delivery ensures babies are protected during their most vulnerable stages of development.

Avoid Harmful Substances And Unsafe Exposures

6. Avoid harmful substances and unsafe exposures

Alcohol, tobacco, recreational drugs and certain medications can increase the risk of birth defects and pregnancy complications. Exposure to harmful chemicals and unnecessary radiation should also be avoided where possible.

Always consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication during pregnancy, including over-the-counter remedies and herbal products, as not all are safe for developing babies.

Seek Care Even If Pregnancy Is Confirmed Late

7. Seek care even if pregnancy is confirmed late

Some parents only realise they are pregnant later than expected, but it is never too late to seek antenatal care. Clinics can still provide important screening, vaccination guidance, nutritional support and monitoring at any stage of pregnancy.

Starting care, even later, is far better than not starting at all and can still positively influence outcomes.

“Prevention and early care give families the best possible start,” says Kruger. “The earlier parents engage with healthcare services, the more opportunities there are to reduce avoidable risks and support healthy development.”