Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Poonam Rudingwa
Consultant(Obstetrics& Gynaecology), Motherhood Chaitanya Hospital
Introduction
Birth defects are normal in babies. These defects can be minor or severe. Most defects can be detected in the first trimester of pregnancy. In such cases, understanding birth abnormalities can help you in getting the right medical treatment.
If you are planning for a pregnancy anytime soon, it’s important to have an understanding of birth abnormalities along with treatment options.
keys:Cleft Lip and Palate, Down Syndrome, Spina Bifida, Cystic Fibrosis, Phenylketonuria,Tay-Sachs Disease, Fragile X Syndrome, Sickle Cell Disease
What is a Birth Defect?
The best gynaecologist in Chandigarh Tricity defines birth defect as a structural or functional abnormality in your child. Some birth abnormalities are deadly.
What Causes Birth Defects in Children?
Recognizing & avoiding risks is easier than dealing with severe birth defects in your children. The common causes of birth defects include:
- Exposure to certain chemicals and medications.
- Infections during pregnancy; especially in the first trimester.
- Genetics.
- Lifestyle choices and behaviors.
- A combination of one or two of the above factors.
- Defects in earlier foetus.
What are the Different Types of Birth Defects?
1. Spina Bifida
Spina bifida is a neural tube defect & a common birth defect in children that affects the spine. Usually, it is harmless but it can present in severe forms, cause leg paralysis and problems with the bladder and bowels. If your baby has spina bifida, he/she may need urgent surgery after birth.
2. Cleft Palate or Lip
If you are on anti-epileptic medications including valproic acid, your baby is more likely to have cleft lip or cleft palate. Apart from this, genetic or environmental factors can also put your baby at risk of cleft palate. This may present with feeding difficulties; recurrent infections and growth failure if left untreated. Your child may need surgery between 6 to 12 months of age to correct this deformity.
3. Congenital Heart Defects
Congenital heart defects are potentially fatal birth defects that affect the heart right from birth. This defect can cause structural deformities in their baby’s heart and also change the way your heart works. During your prenatal checkup, your doctor should be able to detect this abnormality by fetal scan.
4. Clubfoot
Clubfoot is another foot deformity that causes your baby’s child to twist and change in shape. This condition can cause permanent walking difficulties. A pediatric Orthopediacian can treat these using bandages/casts.
5. Down’s Syndrome
Down’s syndrome is the most common birth defect that is caused due to an abnormality in Chromosome 21. This can lead to abnormal faces, tiny hands and feet, little feet, weak muscles and joints, and shorter children and adults. Luckily various tests during pregnancy can help to detect this disease. Down syndrome requires early treatment including occupational, speech, and physical therapy. With proper guidance and expert help, your child with Down’s syndrome can lead a happy life.
6. Sickle Cell Disease
A sickle cell disease is a group of genetic red blood cell disorders that affects your child’s hemoglobin structure. Red blood cells are disc-shaped. In the case of sickle cell, the red blood cells are crescent-shaped. This change in shape can obstruct blood flow to your body.A bone marrow transplant is the only way to cure your child. Your child may experienceblood loss & low Hb levels in severe cases.
7. Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is another genetic disease that creates thick and heavy mucus in the body.The mucus sticks to the lungs, pancreas, and other organs leading to severe breathing problems and lung infections.With proper medications and a lifestyle change, your child can lead a perfectly normal life with cystic fibrosis.
Conclusion
Parenting a child with birth defects can be daunting for you. With proper guidance and treatment, you can navigate through this difficult path and help your child live a happy life. Consult the best doctors in Chandigarh at Motherhood Chaitanya Hospitals today for expert guidance and treatment.
FAQs:
Birth defects are structural changes present at birth that can affect almost any part or parts of the body, including the heart, brain, or limbs. They can vary from mild to severe and may impact the body's function or appearance.
Birth defects can be caused by genetic factors, environmental exposures, or a combination of both. Some known causes include chromosomal abnormalities, exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy, and certain infections.
Birth defects occur in about 1 in every 33 babies born in the United States each year. This means about 3% of all babies have a birth defect.
Treatments vary depending on the type and severity of the defect. Options may include surgery, medication, physical therapy, and other interventions to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Genetic factors include inherited conditions and mutations. Some defects are caused by changes in a single gene, while others result from complex interactions between multiple genes and environmental factors.
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