Birth defects:Causes symptoms diagnosed risk factor and treatments
January 13, 2022
About birth defects
Friends, tell that this birth defect is a problem and that which occurs when the child is developing in the uterus (in the womb). Even in the United States, it is the case with about 1 in every 33 babies born with a birth defect.
Please tell that this birth defect can be minor or serious. And at the same time I can only influence that appearance, organ function and physical and its mental development. Most birth defects are already present within the first three months of pregnancy, when organs are still forming.
And with that, some birth defects are harmless. Others only require this long-term medical treatment. In addition, severe birth defects are the leading cause of infant death in the United States, accounting for 20 percent of all deaths.
What is the cause of birth defects?
This birth defect can be the result of:
- such as genetics
- and that lifestyle choice and its accompanying behavior
- And that’s because of exposure to certain drugs and its chemicals.
- Tell that it is infection during pregnancy
- And friends, it’s a combination of these factors.
- However, the exact causes of some birth defects are often unknown.
Genetics
Explain that it is the mother and either you father can pass on those genetic abnormalities to your child. And with this, genetic abnormalities occur when a mutation, and either this change causes the gene to become defective. In some cases, even more so, it may be a gene or part of a gene missing. And let us tell you that these defects occur at the time of conception and often they cannot be prevented. This may be a specific defect in the family history of either or both parents.
Non-genetic causes
Let us tell you that it can be difficult or impossible to identify the causes of some birth defects so friend’s that however a certain behaviors a greatly and increase the risk of the birth defects so These include smoking, using illegal drugs as well as drinking alcohol while I am pregnant. And this risk is also increased by other factors, such as exposure to toxic chemicals and either the virus itself.
What are the risk factors for birth defects?
Let us tell you that all pregnant women have some risk of giving birth to a child with birth defects. And at the same time, I am only at increased risk in any of the following situations:
- Tell friends that it is either a birth defect or a family history of other genetic disorders.
- And along with that I also use drugs during pregnancy, use of alcohol and/or smoking.
- Maternal age of 35 years and or more
- and in addition, insufficient antenatal care and untreated viral or bacterial infections, including sexually transmitted infections
- and the use of certain high-risk drugs, such as isotretinoin as well as lithium
- It should be noted that even women with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes are at a higher risk of having a child with birth defects.
Common birth defects
It is to be noted that birth defects are usually classified as structural or functional as well as developmental.
Tell friends that these structural defects happen and that when any particular part of the body is missing and either it gets deformed to you. And at the same time, the most common structural defects are:
- such as heart defects
- as well as your cleft lip or palate, when it is a hole or split in your lip or the roof of your mouth
- and you get spina bifida, when the spinal cord doesn’t develop properly as well
- clubfoot, and that’s when your feet point inward instead of forward
These are functional and either developmental birth defects that cause a body part or system to not function properly. And at the same time, it is often the cause of your incapacity of intelligence or development. So that’s addition to functional and developmentals birth defects in include of metabolic defects and sensory problems, and nervous system problems. And these metabolic defects cause problems with the chemistry of the child’s body as well.
The most common types of either functional or developmental birth defects include:
- As it gives you Down syndrome, which also causes delay in physical and mental development.
- sickle cell disease, which is what happens when your red blood cells become misshapen
- cystic fibrosis, which damages your lungs as well as your digestive system
- Some babies may also face physical problems associated with specific birth defects. However, so many children do not show any visible abnormalities. And at the same time, sometimes even after the birth of the child, even for months or even years, he is not able to detect the defects.
How are birth defects diagnosed?
It should be noted that many types of birth defects can be diagnosed during pregnancy. And in addition, a health care professional may use prenatal ultrasound in utero to help diagnose certain birth defects. In addition to this, you may also have more in-depth testing options such as blood tests and amniocentesis (taking a sample of amniotic fluid). These tests are usually only offered to women who have high-risk pregnancies because of their family history, advanced maternal age, and or so many other known factors.
Friends, this is a prenatal test and can help determine if the mother has an infection or other condition that is harmful to the baby. It is only after the baby is born that a physical examination and hearing test can also help the doctor diagnose birth defects. And at the same time, a blood test called a newborn screen can help doctors diagnose certain birth defects before symptoms occur, and soon after birth.
Friends, let us tell you that it is important to know that even if it is present in antenatal check-up, defects are not always found. And at the same time, even a single screening test can misdiagnose defects. And friends, although most of the birth defects can be diagnosed with certainty after birth.
How are birth defects treated?
It should be noted that the treatment options vary greatly depending on the condition and the level of its severity. And with this, some birth defects can be corrected before birth or after some time. And friends, however, other defects can greatly affect the child for the rest of his life. Mild defects can be stressful, but they usually do not affect overall quality of life. And at the same time, it can lead to severe birth defects like cerebral palsy or spina bifida, long-term disability and even death. And friends, you should talk to your doctor only about the proper treatment for your child’s condition.
- Medications: Medications can be used to treat only a few birth defects, or to reduce the risk of complications from certain birth defects. Friends, let us tell you that in only a few cases, it can be given to the mother even before birth, to help you in correcting the same abnormality.
- Surgery: This surgery can correct some defects and either it can reduce the harmful symptoms. And with that, some people with physical birth defects like yours, and they may undergo plastic surgery for cosmetic benefits such as chapped lips, health and either you. And with this, many babies with heart defects will also need this surgery.
- Home care: Friends, your parents can be instructed to follow specific instructions for feeding, as well as bathing and monitoring a baby with birth defects.
How can birth defects be prevented?
Friends, let us tell you that many birth defects cannot be prevented, and at the same time there are some ways to reduce the risk of having a child with birth defects. And those women who are planning to become pregnant, as well as those who are already pregnant, should start taking folic acid supplements. And along with that, I suggest that these supplements should also be taken during pregnancy. And at the same time I think that folic acid can help prevent defects in the spine and in addition, it can help prevent defects in your brain. And at the same time, prenatal vitamins are also recommended during pregnancy.
Friends, let us tell you that during and after pregnancy, women should avoid alcohol, drugs and along with that tobacco also. They should also be careful while taking certain medicines. Along with this, there are some medicines that are generally safe, and let us tell you that they can cause serious birth defects if taken by a pregnant woman. And be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements.
It should be noted that most of these vaccines are safe during pregnancy. And with that said, in fact, some vaccines can help prevent birth defects. And in addition, with live-virus vaccines, there is only a theoretical risk of harm to the developing fetus, and that is why it should not be given during pregnancy. And with that, you should ask your doctor which vaccines are necessary and safe.
Not only does maintaining a healthy weight, it also helps in reducing the risk of complications during pregnancy. And at the same time, women with pre-existing conditions like diabetes should take special care to manage their own health as well.
Keep in mind that it is very important to attend regular antenatal appointments. And friends, that’s if your pregnancy is considered to be high risk, and in addition to that, your doctor can do additional prenatal check-ups to diagnose defects. And depending on the type of defect, your doctor may be able to treat it even before the baby is born.
Genetic counseling
Explain that a genetic counselor can advise couples who either have a history of the defect in their family and either have other risk factors for birth defects. And with that, I think a counselor can be helpful when you’re thinking about having children and or are already pregnant. In addition, genetic counselors can evaluate the family history as well as medical records to determine the likelihood that your baby will be born with defects. They may also order this test to analyze the genes of the mother, father as well as that of the child.
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