What are birth defects and how can you prevent them?
Birth defects are problems that occur when a baby is developing in the womb. They can affect the appearance, function, or development of the baby’s body parts or systems. Some birth defects are mild and harmless, while others are severe and life-threatening. According to Healthline1, about 1 out of every 33 babies in the United States is born with a birth defect.
What causes birth defects?
Birth defects can have different causes, such as:
• Genetics: The mother or father may pass on abnormal genes to their baby, or the baby may have a mutation or a missing gene. Some genetic disorders run in families, while others happen randomly.
• Environment: The mother may be exposed to harmful substances, such as alcohol, tobacco, drugs, chemicals, or infections, that can affect the baby’s development. Some environmental factors can interact with genetic factors to increase the risk of birth defects.
• Unknown: Sometimes, the exact cause of a birth defect is not known. It may be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors, or other unknown factors.
What are the types of birth defects?
Birth defects can be classified into two main types: structural and functional.
• Structural birth defects are when a body part is missing or malformed. For example, heart defects, cleft lip or palate, spina bifida, or clubfoot.
• Functional birth defects are when a body part or system does not work properly. For example, metabolic disorders, sensory problems, or nervous system problems.
Some birth defects may involve both structural and functional problems.
How are birth defects diagnosed and treated?
Birth defects can be detected before or after birth by different tests, such as ultrasound, blood tests, or genetic tests. Some birth defects can be corrected or improved by surgery, medication, therapy, or assistive devices. Some birth defects may require lifelong care and support.
How can you prevent birth defects?
There are things you can do before and during pregnancy to help reduce your risk of having a baby with a birth defect. Birth defects may be diagnosed in a baby during pregnancy or after birth. Although not all birth defects can be prevented, below are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of having a baby with a birth defect, they include:
• Taking folic acid supplements before and during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects.
• Avoiding alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and other harmful substances during pregnancy.
• Getting vaccinated against certain infections, such as rubella, before or during pregnancy.
• Controlling chronic conditions, such as diabetes, before or during pregnancy.
• Getting regular prenatal care and screening tests during pregnancy.
• Consulting your doctor before taking any medication or herbal supplement during pregnancy.
• Having a healthy diet and lifestyle before and during pregnancy.
How can we support those with birth defects?
We can offer support and care to those with birth defects by disability inclusion.
Disability inclusion means understanding the relationship between how people function and how they can participate in society, making sure everybody has the same opportunities to participate in every aspect of life to the best of their abilities and desires.
Every community member can make a difference and play a part in helping create a place where everyone knows that they belong.
By practicing disability inclusion, we can achieve this💪🏾.
#healthcare #Ai #WHO #cancerawareness #Community #diagnosis #healthyliving #maternalheath
REFERENCES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Update on Overall Prevalence of Major Birth Defects–Atlanta, Georgia, 1978-2005. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2008;57(1):1-5.
2024 National Birth Defects Prevention Network. Website powered by MemberLeap.
Medically reviewed by Karen Gill, M.D. — By The Healthline. Editorial Team on May 26, 2017.