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Thread: How to Prevent Birth Defects and Disorders

  1. #1
    IndiaParenting's Avatar Administrator
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    How to Prevent Birth Defects and Disorders

    What are the causes of birth defects and disorders? What precautions should be taken while planning a baby to prevent birth defects and disorders? How to prevent birth defects and disorders during pregnancy?
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    Last edited by IndiaParenting; 30-04-2014 at 01:43 PM.

  2. #2
    Birth defects can be genetic, a result of lifestyle choices and behaviors, exposure to certain medicines and chemicals, or a combination of these factors. However, the exact cause of certain birth defects is often unknown.

    Genetics
    The mother or father may pass on genetic abnormalities to a baby. These defects are established at conception and often cannot be prevented. A defect may be present throughout the family history of one or more parent. Genetic defects can also be carried in a family’s genetic code for generations undetected, and some defects occur only when two healthy parents unknowingly pass along abnormal genes.

    Nongenetic Causes
    The cause of some birth defects can be difficult or impossible to identify. Certain behaviors, like smoking, drug, and alcohol use greatly increase the risk of defects. Other factors, such as exposure to environmental toxins, medications, or infections also increase risk. Women with pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, are at higher risk of having a child with a birth defect.

    Women who anticipate becoming pregnant should start taking folic acid supplements prior to conception and continue taking a physician-recommended dose as part of a prenatal vitamin throughout pregnancy. Folic acid can prevent serious defects of the spine and brain as well as some other types of birth defects.

    Women should avoid alcohol, drugs, and tobacco during and after pregnancy. Some otherwise safe medications and vaccines can cause serious birth defects when taken by pregnant women. Talk to your doctor about any medications (including over-the-counter drugs and supplements) you may be taking, and which vaccines are necessary. Maintaining a healthy weight helps reduce risk of complications during pregnancy, and women with pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes, should take special care to manage their health.

    Pregnant women should attend regular prenatal appointments with a healthcare professional. If your pregnancy is considered high-risk, additional screening may be able to identify defects so they can be treated as soon as possible.

    Genetic Counseling
    A genetic counselor can advise couples with family histories of birth defects. A counselor can be helpful whether you are thinking about children or already expecting. This health professional can help determine the likelihood that your baby will be born with defects by evaluating family history and medical records. Genetic counselors may order tests to analyze the genes of the mother, father, and baby as well.

  3. #3
    During pregnancy sometimes there are birth defects caused due to complications during the development of the baby. Birth defects majorly take place in the first trimester of the pregnancy. The birth defect may change the appearance, structure and functions of the baby’s body.

  4. #4
    Hi, in spite of having birth defect many babies are born naturally. There are various causes which can cause defects in the baby like drug, alcohol, infections and chemical exposure. There are various steps which can prevent birth defects.

  5. #5
    Hi, it is very important that you avoid alcohol during the pregnancy. Try to avoid all types of drinks like wine, beer, rum and many more as they are not fit for the baby’s health. When a pregnant mother consumes alcohol it passes through the blood streams leading to the baby.

  6. #6
    Hello, drinking can cause the fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). It can also cause stillbirth an sometimes can also lead to miscarriage. Please quit smoking as it can cause the baby to be low in weight after birth and can also cause premature birth.

  7. #7
    Siya Gandhi's Avatar Member
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    Intake of tobacco can also cause premature birth and also can cause cleft palate or cleft lip. Women who smoke during pregnancy have risk of miscarriage. The baby born can also have Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

  8. #8
    Avoid taking medications without the consult of the doctor. Take medicines which are prescribed by your doctor. Over the counter and prescription drugs are considered as teratogens which can cause birth defects. If you are planning to take any medication ask your doctor before you take it.

  9. #9
    Shweta Kale's Avatar Member
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    Hi, try to avoid the exposure to the environmental toxins. The insecticides, solvents and toxic fumes cause birth defects in the baby. The polluted water, hazardous waste, painting and refinishing furniture can cause danger to the baby.

  10. #10
    Sonia Roy's Avatar Member
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    It is very important to change the diet during the pregnancy and have a balance diet. Folic acid should be taken as it prevents birth defect if taken regularly in your diet. Try adding spinach, cereals, beans, oranges, peanuts and asparagus. Try avoiding junk food and foods which may contain toxic ingredients.

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