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Child Care – What are Birth Defects? | How To Stop Birth Defects? |Birth Defects

Congenital disorder involves defects in or damage to a developing fetus. It may be the result of genetic abnormalities, the intrauterine environment, errors of morphogenesis, or a chromosomal abnormality. The outcome of the disorder will further depend on complex interactions between the pre natal deficit and the post natal environment. Animal studies indicate that mothers’ diet, vitamin intake, and glucose levels prior to ovulation and conception have long term effects on fetal growth and adolescent and adult disease. Congenital disorders vary widely in causation and abnormalities. Any substance that causes birth defects is known as a teratogen. The older term congenital disorder does not necessarily refer to a genetic disorder despite the similarity of the words.

A birth defect is a mental or physical problem that results in an error in the way bone, brain, skin or tissue developed. A disorder may or may not be inherited, ie. passed from parent to child through genes and chromosomes.Follow the links below to find information about birth defects, including cleft lip and palate, spina bifida, congenital heart defects and syndromes.Birth defects are defined as abnormalities of structure, function, or body metabolism that are present at birth. These abnormalities lead to mental or physical disabilities or are fatal.

There are more than 4,000 different known birth defects, ranging from minor to serious, and although many can be treated or cured, they’re the leading cause of death in the first year of life.According to the March of Dimes, about 150,000 babies are born with birth defects each year in the United States. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says that 3 out of every 100 babies born in the United States have some kind of major birth defect.Women planning a family or expecting a baby should eat a healthy varied diet, with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, and sources of calcium.Folic acid is very valuable, particularly before the start of the pregnancy.

Good food hygiene is important make sure all meat is properly handled and cooked. Avoid blue cheeses.Excessive alcohol should be avoided, as should recreational drugs. Occasional drinking has not clearly been shown to be risky, and must be a matter of personal responsibility.Above all, don’t smoke.Use of medicines in pregnancy should be discussed with your medical adviser, particularly for chronic conditions.Moderate exercise can make the pregnancy go easier.Most workplaces are relatively safe – you should discuss safety in pregnancy with your employer if you feel risks may arise.

Improved screening will lead to better detection of defects, and better counselling in advance.Birth defects can involve any part of any organ in the body. Some birth defects are more common than others. Birth defects are the leading cause of death in infants in the United States, and some cause the death of the fetus. A birth defect is evident in about 7.5% of all children by age 5 years, although many of these are minor. Major birth defects are evident in about 3 to 4% of newborns. Several birth defects can occur together in the same infant.