QuestionHello, my name is Maggie Bushek. I am a journalism student at Ohio University. I'm currently researching legislation related to birthdefects and teratogenic agents. I was wondering if I could set up a phone interview with you sometime this week. I would be willing to do itanytime that works best for you. I can be reached by email or at (740)597-3673.
My questions would be concerning:
1. What advise doctors give pregnant mothers on what is safe to do and not do while pregnant.
-Does this advise change depending on
who a woman talks to?
2. Is the FDA's advise on what fish are safe
eat while pregnant accurate?
3. The CDC was formed in the early 90's. One
of its goals is to find information chemicals
that can cause birth defects. Has it done
its job?
I would appreciate any insight you have on any of these issues. Thank you.
AnswerHello Maggie. I don't think I can be of much help to you- I have no idea what doctors tell their patients about preventing birth defects- in my experience they are very lax about telling them much of anything- including what to eat. In midwifery practice we hope to be in contact with our clients before conception and encourage them to take folic acid 1-2mg daily the whole time they are likely to conceive. We discourage the use of routine ultrasound as it has not yet been proven safe for the fetus. You might find interesting info in the site of the International Childbirth Education Association- they often produce position papers on various issues. All the best- Cheri.
