NATIONAL AWARENESS DAY FOR BIRTH DEFECTS
Birth defects are physical changes present in a newborn baby that can affect almost any part or part of the body like the heart, brain, feet, or arms. They may affect how the body looks and works and they vary from mild to severe. How severe the defect is and where it is located can affect a baby’s lifespan.
Birth defects can be diagnosed during pregnancy or after the baby is born and these occur when there are structural changes during the first three months of pregnancy affecting one or more parts of the body. Many birth defects are discovered after the baby leaves the hospital or within the first year of life. According to experts, birth defects are caused by a complex mix of factors including our genes, behaviors, and environment. Babies who survive and live with birth defects are at an increased risk for long-term disabilities and lifelong challenges.
There are thousands of different birth defects, and about 70% of the causes are unknown. Some of the more common examples of birth defects include ‘Spina bifida (spine defect), narrowing of the aorta (heart artery), pulmonary valve problems (controls blood flow from the heart to lungs), cleft lip or cleft palate (lip/mouth deformity), hearing loss, a foot deformity, and Down syndrome’.
Can birth defects be prevented? Not all birth defects can be prevented. However, there are certain behaviors before and during pregnancy that may be linked to an increased risk for birth defects. We also encourage all pregnant people and prospective parents to make healthy choices and adopt healthier habits to help lower their risk of having a baby born with birth defects. Below are some tips:
- Folic acid: Folic acid is a B vitamin that can help prevent neural tube defects. Taking multivitamin with 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day helps the development of the baby while the absence can affect a baby’s brain and spine.
- Regular hospital checkups: Regular checkup is important and having Fevers, which are common symptoms of the flu, can increase the chances of having a baby with certain birth defects.
- Monitor medications taken: Not all medicine is safe to take during pregnancy and some can even cause birth defects. Only take drugs prescribed by your doctor.
- Avoid alcohol, smoking cigarettes, and street drugs. These substances increase the risk of having a baby with serious birth defects, like heart defects.
Types of other birth defects include:
- Anencephaly
- Spina Bifida
- Cleft Lip/Cleft Palate
- Down Syndrome
- Microcephaly
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Edwards Syndrome
- Patau Syndrome
Here at Enability, our team of Medical Rehabilitation Professionals can help treat and manage these and other conditions associated with birth defects. Reach out to us at www.enabilityot.com or at info@enabilityot.com for further inquiries.