BIRTH DEFECTS
A birth defect is a problem that occurs when a baby is
developing in utero (in the womb).
Approximately 1 out of every 33 babies in the United States is born
with a birth defect. Birth defects can be minor or severe. They may affect appearance,
organ function, and physical and mental development. Most birth defects are
present within the first three months of pregnancy, when the organs are still
forming. Some birth defects are harmless. Others require long-term medical
treatment. Severe birth defects are the leading cause of infant death in the
United States, accounting for 20 percent of deaths.
Type
If a baby
is born with a part of the body that is missing or malformed, it is called a structural birth defect. Heart defects are the most common type
of structural defect. Others include spina bifida, cleft
palate, clubfoot, and congenital dislocated hip. When there is a problem
with a baby's body chemistry, it is called a metabolic birth defect. During a woman's pregnancy, taking folic acid and getting enough iodine in the diet can help prevent
some types of birth defects. But it's also important to realize that most
babies born with birth defects are born to two healthy parents with no obvious
health problems or risk factors.
Some types are given below-
Congenital
Heart Defects (An Anatomical Abnormality)
Congenital heart defects occur in
about 1 in 110 births and have a variety of causes, including genetic
abnormalities or a mistake during fetal development. Some may be so mild that
they have no visible symptoms.
Symptoms:
Rapid
heartbeat, Breathing difficulties, Feeding problems (which result in inadequate
weight gain), Swelling in the legs, abdomen, or about the eyes, Pale grey or
bluish skin.
Treatment:
Most heart defects can be
corrected or at least improved through surgery, drugs, or a mechanical aid like
a pacemaker.
Sickle-Cell
Disease (Biochemical Birth Defects)
Sometimes
certain substances essential to a baby's proper body functioning are either
abnormal or completely absent. Without intervention, deficiencies like the
following can be devastating (and often even fatal) because they affect many
bodily systems.
Symptoms: The disease can cause debilitating bouts of pain and damage to vital organs and can sometimes be fatal. Sickle-cell disease affects the hemoglobin (a protein inside the red blood cells) in such a way that the cells become distorted: Instead of their normal, round shape, they look like bananas or sickles (hence the name).
These misformed cells then become trapped in and destroyed by the
liver and spleen, resulting in anemia. In severe cases, an affected child may
be pale, have shortness of breath, and tire easily. The episodes of pain,
called crises, happen when the cells become stuck, blocking tiny blood vessels
and cutting off the oxygen supply to various parts of the child's body.
Treatment: Although the disease can't be cured, a number of new therapies that reduce the severity and frequency of crises are being studied.
Down Syndrome (Chromosomal Birth Defects)
Two of
the most common abnormalities, Down syndrome and Fragile X syndrome, are also
frequent causes of mental retardation. Both can be diagnosed before birth.
While neither defect is curable, early intervention allows a child to develop
to his full potential.
Symptoms:
A child with Down syndrome
generally has characteristic physical features, including slanted eyes; small
ears that fold over at the top; a small mouth, which makes the tongue appear
larger; a small nose with a flattened nasal bridge; a short neck; and small
hands with short fingers.
Treatment: As with Down syndrome, children with Fragile X syndrome can be expected to do most things that any young child can do, although they also generally learn these things later than unaffected children. And, as with most of these birth defects, early-intervention programs begun in infancy can help maximize the child's development.
Cause
Birth
defects can be a result of:
genetics
lifestyle choices and behaviors
exposure to certain medications and
chemicals
infections during pregnancy
a combination of these factors
However, the
exact causes of certain birth defects are often unknown.
Risk
factors
All
pregnant women have some risk of delivering a child with a birth defect. Risk
increases under any of the following conditions:
family history of birth defects or other
genetic disorders
drug use, alcohol consumption, or
smoking during pregnancy
maternal age of 35 years or older
inadequate prenatal care
untreated viral or bacterial infections,
including sexually transmitted infections
use of certain high-risk medications,
such as isotretinoin and lithium
Prevention
Not all birth defects can be prevented. But,
there are things that a woman can do before and during pregnancy to increase
her chance of having a healthy baby:
Be
sure to see your healthcare provider regularly and start prenatal care as soon
as you think you might be pregnant.
Get
400 micrograms (mcg) of folic
acid every day, starting at least one month
before getting pregnant.
Don’t
drink alcohol, smoke, or use “street” drugs.
Talk
to a healthcare provider about any medications you are taking or
thinking about taking. This includes prescription and over-the-counter
medications and dietary or herbal supplements. Don’t stop or start taking any
type of medication without first talking with a doctor.
Learn
how to prevent
infections during pregnancy.
If
possible, be sure any medical conditions are under control, before becoming
pregnant. Some conditions that increase the risk for birth defects
include diabetes and obesity.
Treatment
Treatment
options vary depending on the condition and level of severity. Some birth
defects can be corrected before birth or shortly after. Speak
with your doctor about the appropriate treatment for your child’s condition.
Medications: Medications may be used to treat some birth defects or to lower
the risk of complications from certain defects. In some cases, medication may
be prescribed to the mother to help correct an abnormality before birth.
Surgeries: Surgery can fix certain defects or ease harmful symptoms. Some
people with physical birth defects, such as cleft lip, may undergo plastic
surgery for either health or cosmetic benefits. Many babies with heart defects
will need surgery, as well.
Home
care: Parents may be instructed to follow specific instructions for feeding,
bathing, and monitoring an infant with a birth defect.