A disorder that occurs at birth is known as a birth defect. It is when the body of your newborn kid is odd in some way, whether it is visible, internal, or chemically. Some birth abnormalities, such as an extra toe or fingers, can be recognized when the baby is born.
Sickle cell anemia, Phenylketonuria, and Down syndrome are all types of birth defects. Other conditions, such as heart problems or hearing impairments, may necessitate additional tests. Some birth defects are not discovered until later in life.
There are many reasons for birth defects. The problem may be caused by genes, infections, radioactivity, or exposure to drugs. It’s also possible that there’s no reason for it. Let’s go ahead and discuss the causes of birth defects further.
It may be medical malpractice.
Every profession has its share of blunders. However, when doctors make mistakes, their patients face the repercussions, ranging from more expensive medical treatments to death. Keep in mind that it is not your fault. Discuss your matter with a birth defect lawyer if you were injured during delivery or labor and believe the malpractice of a medical professional caused it. You may be able to file a birth injury claim for financial compensation for your injuries.
Smoking
Smoking increases your chances of bleeding abnormally during pregnancy and birth by a factor of two. This can endanger you and your child. Smoking increases the likelihood of your baby developing birth abnormalities such as cleft palate, cleft lip, or both. A cleft is when your child’s lip or the top of her lips is open.
Taking drugs
Your child may be born with an addiction to drugs. The condition is known as neonatal abstinence syndrome. It causes your infant to experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. By harming the uterus or the placenta, medications that do not cross the placenta can harm the fetus.
Drugs used by a pregnant woman can have various effects on the fetus. They can harm the fetus directly, causing damage and aberrant development, resulting in birth abnormalities.
It could be a passed-down genetic abnormality.
This is known as a mutation or a gene mutation. Changes in your genes can be passed down to your children. A gene alteration can cause health disorders such as sickle cell disease and cystic fibrosis. A gene mutation can potentially result in birth abnormalities such as heart problems.
OTHER CAUSES
Contracting infections while pregnant can damage the developing fetus and result in congenital disabilities. Examples encompass German measles, cytomegalovirus, and Zika virus. For this reason, good nutrition is essential for a stronger immune system.
When a pregnant woman lacks important nutrients, the baby is also deprived. For instance, folic acid deficiency has also been linked to other developmental issues in the baby’s brain and spine. This is why adequate folic acid intake is recommended, often through prenatal vitamins or a balanced diet. Moreover, uncontrolled diabetes or specific autoimmune disorders can cause this problem.
Additionally, pregnancy can be burdensome for older women. They may get tired quickly and feel all sorts of body pains. But if you feel numbness in the upper abdomen during the later stages of pregnancy, don’t panic. This phenomenon is believed to arise from stretching the abdominal wall and the related nerves as pregnancy progresses. Click here to learn more.
As women age, the quality of their eggs can decline, which may lead to an increased likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities in the developing embryo. Their uterus also deteriorates. Hence, older mothers must receive thorough prenatal care and genetic counseling to assess and manage potential risks.
The subject is sensitive in the sense that learning that your baby has a significant birth defect can be upsetting. You may believe that medical research should avoid or at the very least identify all potential birth abnormalities.
You might think that someone is to blame. You could be blaming yourself. You may believe that you created the fault or neglected to do something that might have prevented it. This isn’t always the case. You can address these issues by having an open and honest conversation with your healthcare professional.
Always discuss your problems with your healthcare professional and follow their recommendations for screening tests, medications, and other procedures.
