57 saved#3,211 of 6,224

National Birth Defects Prevention Month

Join the fight this National Birth Defects Prevention Month by spreading awareness and supporting organizations that work towards prevention!

Friday

1–31

January 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

Have an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATEAll of January

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYHealth Conditions

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Happy National Birth Defects Prevention Month! As we kick off the new year on January 1, let's take a moment to raise awareness about this important cause. This month-long observance was established in 2003 by the National Birth Defects Prevention Network with the goal of promoting education and prevention strategies to reduce the number of birth defects worldwide. It's a time to honor and support families affected by birth defects, as well as spread knowledge and resources for prevention. Let's join together to make a positive impact in the lives of those affected by birth defects.

TIMELINE

National Birth Defects Prevention Month Timeline

Recognition of Birth Defects

Dr. James G. Wilson presents the concept of "Teratology," the study of birth defects, focusing on understanding developmental disorders and their causes.

Establishment of NBDPN

The National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) is established to conduct surveillance and research, and to work towards the prevention of birth defects.

First Folic Acid Studies

Research begins to confirm that consumption of Folic Acid can help prevent certain birth defects, which leads to later dietary supplement recommendations.

FDA Regulation on Folic Acid

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandates that folic acid be added to enriched cereal grain products in efforts to prevent neural tube defects.

Recognition of January as NBDPM

January is officially recognized as National Birth Defects Prevention Month to improve birth defect surveillance, research, and prevention.

CDC's "Five Tips" Campaign

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) unveils its "Five Tips for Preventing Birth Defects" campaign, emphasizing steps for prevention.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Birth Defects Prevention Month

Spread awareness

Share information and resources on social media, in your community, and with friends and family to help raise awareness about birth defects and how they can be prevented.

HOST

Host a fundraiser

Organize a fundraiser for a local organization that supports families affected by birth defects or funds research for prevention. This can be a bake sale, charity walk, or any other creative idea you come up with!

EDUCATE

Educate yourself

Take the time to learn more about birth defects and what causes them. This will not only help you understand the importance of prevention, but also how to support those affected by them.

REACH

Reach out to a family affected by birth defects

Connect with a family in your community who is affected by birth defects and offer your support and assistance. This can be a simple act of kindness that can make a big difference in their lives.

HOST

Host a healthy pregnancy workshop

Organize a workshop for expectant mothers to learn about how to have a healthy pregnancy and reduce the risk of birth defects. You can invite healthcare professionals to speak and provide resources for attendees.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Birth Defects Prevention Month is Important

It offers support for families affected by birth defects

For families who have a child born with a birth defect, National Birth Defects Prevention Month serves as a reminder that they are not alone. It provides resources for families to access support and connect with others going through similar experiences, helping to ease the physical, emotional, and financial burdens that come with caring for a child with a birth defect.

It increases awareness about birth defects and their prevention

National Birth Defects Prevention Month is an important time to educate the public about the causes of birth defects and how they can be prevented. By increasing awareness, we can help to reduce the number of babies born with these conditions.

It promotes healthy pregnancies and births

During National Birth Defects Prevention Month, there is a focus on encouraging women to adopt healthy lifestyles before and during pregnancy. This includes things like taking folic acid supplements, avoiding harmful substances, and receiving necessary vaccinations - all of which can greatly reduce the risk of birth defects.

Related holidays

March of Dimes Birth Defects Prevention Month

March is not just about shamrocks and lucky charms - it's also Birth Defects Prevention Month with the March of Dimes, raising awareness for healthy pregnancies and babies.

National Pre-Pregnancy Awareness Month

Get ready for the journey of a lifetime - it's National Pre-Pregnancy Awareness Month! Learn about fertility, health, and wellness tips to prepare for parenthood.

International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month

This month, join us in spreading awareness about the importance of preventing prenatal infections for a healthy and happy pregnancy!

Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week

Join us in raising awareness for Congenital Heart Defects during this important week - together, we can spread knowledge and support those affected.

0Read

FOR MARKETERS & CREATORS

Turn every day into a moment your audience actually shows up for.

8.4M

Monthly readers

5K+

Holidays tracked

Holiday Calendar for Brands Developer API