Birth Defect Prevention Tips: According to WHO, 6 percent of the world is born with congenital defects worldwide. Congenital defects are structural and functional defects that occur when the babies are developing in the mother’s womb. Some of these congenital defects can be identified before birth or after delivery. Some examples of congenital defects include palt, clift lip and palate, clubfoot and diaphragmatic hernia. Other situations include neural tube defects, congenital heart defects, chromosome defects and down syndrome.
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All congenital defects can neither be stopped nor identified before birth.
Congenital defects can occur due to many reasons. For example, lack of folic acid, diabetes in the mother, obesity, use of certain medicines during pregnancy, alcohol intake and entertainment medicines can affect fetal development. Some infections, such as rubella or German measles, may have harmful effects when in the first three months of pregnancy. Genetic reasons can also cause these defects. Blood marriage can also cause some congenital defects.
How can a woman stop these defects?
- It is necessary to get counseling done before conception and all the necessary tests suggested by the doctor.
- Obese women have more defective children, so one should try to lose weight before planning a pregnancy or adopt at least one healthy lifestyle.
- Start taking 400 micrograms (MCG) folic acid daily at least 1 month before pregnancy and during pregnancy. Major congenital defects such as neural tube defects (NTDs) can be prevented by taking folic acid. These defects occur in the spinal cord and brain.
- Patients suffering from Caesar disorder should consult a neurologist to switch to safe drugs for pregnancy. These women require more folic acid than normal patients.
- Some anti-ekne drugs should be closed at least 6 months before conception as they can cause congenital defects.
- Do not consume alcohol and entertainment medicines while trying to get pregnant.
- Avoid self -healing because some medicines during pregnancy can cause congenital defects.
- Getting regular checkups and ultrasound during pregnancy, as advised by obstetric specialist, can help in timely diagnosis of these defects.
- Therefore, counseling, testing, taking folic acid and other multivitamins before conception and adopting healthy lifestyle can reduce some congenital defects.
(This article is based on conversation with Dr. Manju Khemani, Principal Director, Max Smart Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, New Delhi,)
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(Disclaimer: This material including advice only provides general information. It is not an alternative to qualified medical opinion in any way. Always consult an expert or your doctor for more information. Lokjanta does not claim responsibility for this information.)
