Advancements in medical technology alone cannot guarantee a healthy baby.

Ob-Gyn Richard Bloy says that to decrease the chance of birth defects women should speak with their physicians regarding basic safety measures to follow even prior to becoming pregnant. "Pre conception care is so important."

Dr. Bloy explains that the choices a woman makes prior to and during pregnancy can have a powerful effect on the health of her baby. For instance taking folic acid daily helps prevent birth defects like spina bifida. "We can actually use things to prevent birth defects, for instance folic acid. Or if we can help control the mother's blood sugar before, if she's a diabetic, we can prevent major complications for the baby during pregnancy."

Most experienced moms like Ramona Johnston have the same advice for moms to be - to take their pre-conception and prenatal care very seriously. "It's a big mistake and that's just like Russian roulette and maybe there's something they could do to prevent something that's going on."

Proper prenatal care includes everything from regular doctor visits, to taking prenatal vitamins as well as eating a healthy and wholesome diet. By doing these things mothers can do their part in raising a healthy child.

Remember smoking during pregnancy can lead to pregnancy complications and serious health problems in newborns. If all pregnant women in the United States stopped smoking there would be an estimated 11 percent reduction in stillbirths and a 5 percent reduction in newborn deaths.