2 In 3 Women Have A Lifestyle Risk Factor For Birth Defects

Key Takeaways

Two-thirds of women of child-bearing age have at least one lifestyle factor that increases their risk of birth defects

These include low levels of folate, unmanaged diabetes, food insecurity and exposure to tobacco smoke

Addressing these factors would lower risk of birth defects in newborns

TUESDAY, Aug. 26, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Two-thirds of women in their child-bearing years have an increased risk for birth defects due to a lifestyle factor they can change, a new study says.

These risk factors — low levels of vitamin B9 (folate), unmanaged diabetes or exposure to tobacco smoke — increase the odds of a serious birth defect in any child they might have, researchers said.

Heart defects, cleft palates and defects of the brain and spinal cord are among the problems that