What’s Best For You is Best For Your Baby: An Overview of Birth Defects, How They Affect Perinatal Mental Health, and Measures To Promote a Healthy Pregnancy

Thrive • January 11, 2022

By Thrive Reno’s Director of Perinatal Psychiatry, Andrea Thompson, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC

Birth defects are more prevalent than many think. According to the CDC , one in 33 babies are born with a birth defect in the United States each year, which translates to about 120,000 babies a year. Every four and a half minutes, a baby is born with a birth defect in America alone.

Some common birth defects include:

Cleft palate: Occurs when the tissue of the roof of the mouth doesn’t join together completely during pregnancy.
Clubfoot: Describes an array of foot abnormalities in which a baby’s foot is twisted or out of place.
Trisomy 21 or down syndrome: Chromosomal anomaly in which an extra chromosome causes a genetic condition.
Valve cardiac abnormalities: Describes a range of conditions that can occur when the heart and blood vessels don’t develop normally.

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS FOR BIRTH DEFECTS

Many individuals mistakenly believe that all birth defects are caused by the parents’ exposure to certain medications , infections, and chemicals while pregnant. In fact, most birth defects are passed genetically and for many types of birth defects, the causes are unknown.

There are certain factors that contribute to birth defects. Parents may face greater risk if they:

Are 35 years of age or older.
Have a family or personal history of birth defects.
Have had a child with a birth defect.
Use certain medicines around the time they become pregnant.
Have a medical condition such as diabetes.
Use recreational drugs or drink alcohol during pregnancy.

BIRTH DEFECT PREVENTION MEASURES

Although many birth defects can’t be prevented despite parents’ best efforts, there are steps parents can take to lessen the risk of birth defects. As part of their “Best for You. Best for Baby.” campaign, the National Birth Defects Prevention Network suggests the following efforts for preventing birth defects.

Reach a healthy weight: Before conceiving, try to reach a healthy weight by eating adequately and consistently, and including a wide variety of foods in your diet while also embracing the practice of Intuitive Eating .
Consume folic acid: Include 400 micrograms of folic acid in your daily diet. Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps make new cells as well as prevent brain and spinal birth defects.
Check before changing your medication: Consult your health care provider before beginning or ending the use of any medication.
Get current on your vaccinations: Ensure you have all the necessary vaccinations.
Abstain from drugs and alcohol: Avoid harmful substances during pregnancy, such as drugs and alcohol.

HEALTH CARE SUPPORT FOR FACING POTENTIAL BIRTH DEFECTS

The most ideal approach to preventing birth defects is for parents to discuss the risks with their OB-GYN or midwife before they even conceive. However, many circumstances surrounding pregnancy don’t allow for this kind of preparation.

Whether parents are hoping to conceive or are already expecting, the health care resources listed below can provide support in dealing with the potential of birth defects:

Prenatal tests: Screen for genetic disorders, chromosomal disorders, and heart defects.
Genetic counselors: Review parents’ health history, prenatal tests, and other factors to determine the risk of having a baby with a birth defect, in addition to offering guidance to parents on next steps.
High-risk pregnancy doctors: Provide care and oversight for pregnancies with potential complications.

BIRTH DEFECTS AND PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH

Any circumstances that deviate from what parents consider ‘a normal pregnancy’ can be upsetting. So, finding out that their baby has a birth defect can considerably disrupt parents’ perinatal mental health .

When faced with the potential of having a baby with a birth defect, parents commonly experience:

Feelings of anxiety: As they undergo tests and worry about their baby’s health and future.
Feelings of grief: For the perfectly healthy baby they had hoped for.
Feelings of guilt or shame: From a sense of perceived failure over not having a perfectly healthy baby.

These mental health struggles can increase parents’ risk for developing postpartum depression and anxiety. By seeking perinatal mental health support early, parents can navigate any mental health challenges, obtain guidance throughout their perinatal journey, and create a support network of understanding individuals.

PERINATAL SUPPORT AT THRIVE

Thrive supports parents on their perinatal journeys — no matter what those journeys consist of. At Thrive Reno, our perinatal experts include medical professionals, psychiatrists, therapists, nutritionists and mindful movement specialists who collaborate to counsel, heal, and nurture new parents. Thrive Reno offers a perinatal mental health support group , outpatient perinatal therapy , as well as an “ It Takes a Village” Day Program for perinatal mental health, so individuals can confidently and joyfully embrace new parenthood, whatever the circumstances. Reach out to us to learn more.

About the Author

Andrea Thompson, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC — Thrive Reno’s Director of Perinatal Psychiatry

Andrea Thompson, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC is a Nurse Practitioner whose background has stemmed in primary care, primarily working with under-served and under-insured populations. After several years in family practice, she completed a Post Master’s certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. In early 2019, she started a program the first of its kind in Northern Nevada to integrate mental health services into a women’s health/OBGYN practice where she had a focus on perinatal mood and anxiety disorder diagnosis and treatment which solidified her passion for Perinatal/Reproductive Psychiatry. She has also completed certificate training with Postpartum Support International. As a postpartum depression survivor herself, she has a passion for helping other women throughout their journey to mental wellness. She and her husband moved to the Reno area several years ago from Seattle, WA to settle into a place to raise their family; they have three young boys. Aside from spending time with her family outdoors, Andrea is also active in the efforts to improve the sexual health education offered to the youth in our community as well as advocating at the state level to support Nurse Practitioner autonomy and Maternal Mental Health.

The post What’s Best For You is Best For Your Baby: An Overview of Birth Defects, How They Affect Perinatal Mental Health, and Measures To Promote a Healthy Pregnancy first appeared on Thrive Wellness.

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Is It OCD or an Eating Disorder? What Parents Need to Know

July 17, 2025

As a parent, noticing alarming behaviors around food or routines in your child can raise some important questions. You might be asking yourself, “Is this an eating disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or something else entirely?” Understanding the signs and differences between these disorders is key to getting your child effective, timely treatment. In this blog, we’ll break down the overlap between OCD and eating disorders, what signs to watch for, and how to get professional help. If you're a parent wondering “Is my child’s eating disorder actually OCD?” or “OCD vs eating disorder in teens,” know that you’re not alone and you’re in the right place to find specialized care for your child. What Is OCD? Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where unwanted thoughts (obsessions) cause anxiety, leading to repetitive behaviors (compulsions) intended to ease that anxiety. OCD can be focused on any subject. Common obsessions include contamination, perfectionism, scrupulosity, and harm, but sometimes, the content of obsessions can be focused on food, body image, or weight. What Is an Eating Disorder? Eating disorders , like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) involve disturbed eating behaviors and intense concerns about body weight or shape. These conditions go beyond dieting or “picky eating” and can become life-threatening without professional intervention. The Overlap: Why It Can Be Confusing OCD and eating disorders often share similar symptoms : Ritualistic eating (e.g., needing to eat foods in a certain order or at a certain time) Rigid rules about food (like only eating certain food groups or certain amounts of food) Excessive checking (like weighing food or body or repeated checking of expiration dates or thorough cooking) Avoidance behaviors ( like avoiding carbs, fats, or other food groups or avoiding places or objects that can trigger obsessions) Distress when routines are disrupted (either around mealtimes or exercise routines) So, How Can You Tell the Difference? Use the following chart to compare and contrast symptoms of OCD and eating disorders.

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Who feels emotionally safe to talk to? What are my fears, and how can I manage them? Mental wellness tips before coming out: Journaling can help you better understand your feelings and fears and explore different ways to share your truth. Talking through your feelings and different scenarios with a therapist , especially one who is LGBTQIA+ affirming, can help you to feel more supported and ready to come out. Practice grounding techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or visualization to ease anxiety ahead of sharing your identity. Helpful resources for coming out include: Trevor Project Lifeline (1-866-488-7386) TrevorSpace (an online community for LGBTQIA+ youth) OurCenter (a local community center for the LGBTQIA+ community in Reno) During the Coming Out Process: Staying Grounded The act of coming out can feel intimidating, as you’re sharing such a vital part of who you are. You might experience fear, panic, or doubt. 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Even difficult conversations are acts of strength. Rebuild your safety if you've experienced rejection. This might mean changing your environment or seeking new support systems. Release guilt or shame. Being who you are is never something you should feel ashamed or guilty for. Support networks can make a huge difference. Seek out different forms of support like: LGBTQIA+ support groups (in-person or online) Peer mentors or community leaders Allies, friends, or family who affirm and respect your identity Therapeutic options to deal with stress, grief, or isolation associated with coming out: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can help process trauma. Narrative therapy helps you rewrite your story in your own empowering voice. Coming Out More Than Once: Navigating the Long Game Coming out isn’t just a single milestone, it’s a recurring process. You might come out again and again: to a healthcare provider, a neighbor, a partner, or a friend. 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Whether you're preparing to come out, in the midst of sharing your truth, or processing what came after, know that you are worthy of love, safety, and joy. Your truth is worth celebrating, today and everyday! For support during the coming out process and beyond, reach out to our team of affirming, inclusive, and compassionate mental and physical health care providers. We're here for you.