Frequently Asked Questions

What is Birth defect?

Any issue that arises in the baby when it is growing inside its mother’s body is referred to as a birth defect.

Birth defects also known as congenital anomalies; arise during pregnancy and can be detected before or at birth as well as later in life. It could range from moderate to severe.

What are the causes of Birth defects?

Gene defects
Consanguinity
Inheritance
Socio-economic situation
Environmental factors
Multifactorial inheritance
Maternal age
Unknown causes

What are the symptoms of Birth defects?

The symptoms can be of numerous varieties depending on the kind of birth defect. Some examples include:

An abnormality in the shape of the face
Disproportionate hands, feet, or limbs
Tilted eyes, little ears with a top fold
A small mouth and a protruding tongue
A little nose with a flattened nasal bridge
Short neck or big ears
Tiny hands with short fingers
Cleft lip or cleft palate

What are the prevention of Birth defects?

It is crucial to take a few steps as mentioned below to practice good health both before and during pregnancy:

Eat a nutrient-rich, balanced diet.
Keep a healthy weight.
Consume folic acid-rich prenatal vitamins.
Get a vaccination against diseases like rubella.
Keep away from pesticides and heavy metals.
Pregnancy is a time to control blood sugar.
Steer clear of radiation exposure.

What are the complications of Birth defects?

Complications like a miscarriage or an infant death. They could consist of the following:

Eyesight problem.
Hearing issues.
Middle ear infections.
Learning disability.
Long-lasting lung disease.
Increased blood pressure.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder. (OCD)
Attention deficit or hyperactivity syndrome. (ADHD)

What are the treatments of Birth defects?

Treatment is not necessary for certain mild congenital abnormalities. However, treatment options for moderate to severe defects may include:

Medicine – The quality of life can be improved with medical therapy for several metabolic, endocrine, and hematological diseases. For example – the management of congenital hypothyroidism.
Prenatal surgery – aims to prevent long-term effects with early treatment. Surgery is frequently used to fix fetal heart and kidney problems while the kid is still in the womb.
Postnatal surgery – Soon after delivery, surgery is frequently required for serious structural defects like cleft lip, cleft palate, and spina bifida.
Gene therapy – may be a potential treatment for some genetic abnormalities, but it is not yet widely utilized.