What are Birth Defects?
Any physical, psychological, or chemical abnormality in your newborn baby’s body is considered a birth defect. This issue arises while the baby grows within the mother’s womb. The majority of birth abnormalities occur during the first three months of pregnancy.
What Causes Birth Defects?
There may be no known reason for the defect, or it may appear due to a complex mix of factors such as,
- Infection during pregnancy
- Genetics
- Chromosomal problems
- Lack of certain nutrients in the body
- Exposure to drugs or radiation
When are Birth Defects diagnosed?
- Some defects could be detected during the antenatal period when doing regular fetal ultrasounds.
- At the time of birth, your baby may appear to have only one defect, such as a cleft lip, or they may be born with several, such as a cleft palate and lip with kidney, brain, and heart problems.
- Not every birth defect will be visible to your pediatrician or neonatologist at the delivery time. Most birth abnormalities such as scoliosis and kidney condition may not show up until your baby is a few months old or aged a few years.
How to reduce the risk of Birth Defects?
You cannot avoid all birth abnormalities, as you may already be aware. But by controlling your health issues and establishing good habits before getting pregnant, you can raise the likelihood of having a healthy kid. The following tips can help lower the chances of birth abnormalities.
1- Be prepared beforehand
- Utilize approximately 400 mcg of folic acid or vitamin B9 through dietary supplements each day. You can avoid significant birth abnormalities of the spine and brain development by consuming adequate folic acid for at least a month before conception and throughout pregnancy.
- You should routinely see your gynecologist. Prenatal care is essential for you as soon as you suspect you are pregnant, so make sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor as early as possible. You should maintain your prenatal care visits as it’s crucial to visit the doctor frequently throughout your pregnancy.
2- Avoid intoxicants
- When you are pregnant, stay away from alcohol at all costs. The umbilical cord allows alcohol in your blood to reach your unborn child while it is still growing. It may result in stillbirth, miscarriage, also several physical, psychological, and neurological problems that last a lifetime.
- Refrain from smoking. Preterm delivery, congenital birth abnormalities, and infant mortality are all risks of smoking during pregnancy.
- Protect yourself against infections. While pregnant, a woman may get pathogens that may affect the unborn child and perhaps result in birth abnormalities.
- Avoiding overheating and properly treating fevers are advised during pregnancy.
3- Pick a healthy way of living.
- Try to eat healthy and organic food supplements that can fulfill your body’s nutrient requirements.
- Avoid birth-defect complications by maintaining your Body Mass Index value.
- Maintain your hygienic health condition.
- Follow a light exercise routine as your doctor instructs you.
4- Talk with your Gynecology and Consultant Neonatologist
- Consult your healthcare professional about medications. Avoid taking high-dose medicines unless your healthcare professional instructs you.
- Take complete guidance from your doctor about receiving vaccination shots against mild health conditions such as flu and diphtheria.
Conclusion
While being pregnant is a beautiful experience, it can sometimes be demanding. You will feel more at ease if you know you are doing everything to prepare for motherhood, maintain your well-being while pregnant, and give your child a healthy beginning in life. Contact Dr. Olfa, the best consultant neonatologist in Dubai.
Source
Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Improving Birth Outcomes, Bale, J. R., Stoll, B. J., & Lucas, A. O. (Eds.). (2003). Reducing Birth Defects: Meeting the Challenge in the Developing World. National Academies Press (US).https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK222097/?report=reader
