This is a sobering thought: "Every 4 ½ minutes a baby is born with a birth defect," according to the National Birth Defects Prevention Network.

What is also sobering is that some birth defects can be prevented. Sometimes, birth defects occur as a result of accidents, falls, or other incidents. There are instances, however, in which birth defects are cultivated. Smoking, alcohol, drugs, and untreated infections are things steps that we can work to address.

Think of the life for which you are responsible, the innocent life growing from both of your efforts; for it is not just the mother who needs to take care but the father, as well.

Men, this applies to you, too. Your initial contribution to conception should also be a clean and infection-free one. Sperm, just like eggs, absorbs more than we realize.

Ladies, don't wait until you are pregnant to start taking better care of your health. Start with a green smoothie a day, drink more water, eat more healthily - just start something and when you have gotten into your groove, add something else. Your body and your child will love you for it.

Source: http://www.nbdpn.org/national_birth_defects_prevent.php