What causes birth defects?
As an expectant mom, you want to keep yourself and your baby healthy and so does your healthcare provider. You especially want to protect against birth defects, which starts with regular prenatal care.
Birth defects occur in 2-4% of live births. While some women may be at a relatively higher risk of a birth defect in their pregnancy, as conditions can be genetic, the risk of birth defects from non-genetic causes can typically be reduced with appropriate counseling and lifestyle changes.
What are birth defects?
Birth defects are physical or genetic abnormalities that range from mild to severe, and may affect how your baby’s body looks, works, or both. They can develop at any stage of pregnancy, although most occur during the first three months, as a baby’s organs form. Birth defects can vary from mild to severe. Some birth defects are harmless. Others require long-term medical treatment.
Some birth defects, like Down syndrome, are detectable during pregnancy, while others, like cleft lip, don’t appear until birth. Although cleft lip is an easily recognizable birth defect, heart problems, and hearing loss require special tests to diagnose.
Contributing factors of birth defects
The cause of birth defects can be a complex mix of genetics and other factors including the mother’s exposure to medications, infections, and even chemicals during pregnancy. The most common risk factor is taking medication while you’re pregnant to control hypertension, diabetes, or depression and anxiety. Women who are actively trying to get pregnant should consult their physician first, especially when they have an underlying condition.
Uncontrolled diabetes is another major cause of birth defects and increases the risk by 10% to 15% of having a baby with a serious heart or spinal defect. Controlling diabetes before becoming pregnant, can bring down those risks.
Other factors that may increase your risk of having a baby with birth defects:
- Smoking, drinking alcohol, or using drugs during pregnancy
- Having a family history of birth defects
- Contracting certain infections during pregnancy, like Zika virus, cytomegalovirus, or syphilis, an easy-to-treat sexually transmitted infection
- Experiencing a fever over 101°F during pregnancy, or an elevated body temperature due to heat exposure
- Conceiving when you are older than 35 years when the risk of chromosomal abnormality increases
Of course, you could have one or more of these risks and not have a baby with a birth defect. Or, you could have none of these risks and have a baby with a birth defect. Also, if you are an older mother or have a family history of birth defects, then you may want to consult a genetic counselor before conceiving. You may also want to talk to your doctor about how to lower your risk.
Lower the risk of birth defects
Scheduling a preconception checkup is the best way to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Your OB/GYN will make sure you’re healthy enough to conceive and have a safe pregnancy. They will also discuss a plan to get off any birth control, guide you in choosing a prenatal vitamin and discuss your family’s health history.
Taking prenatal vitamins before and during pregnancy is very important, as well. Prenatal vitamins are available over the counter at many pharmacies and grocery stores. Your physician or pharmacist may recommend a particular vitamin to ensure that you are getting the additional folic acid and iron your body needs.
Not all birth defects are preventable, but you can improve your chances of having a healthy baby with these tips:
- See your healthcare provider regularly and start prenatal care as soon as you think you might be pregnant.
- Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, and other drugs
- Consume 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily. You can get folic acid from fortified foods or supplements, and a diet rich in folate. Taking folic acid three to four months before becoming pregnant has been shown to reduce the incidence of neural tube defects like spinal bifida or anencephaly.
- Consult your healthcare provider about any medications that you are taking or considering taking, including those for anxiety or depression.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about vaccinations. Most vaccines are safe during pregnancy, including those for COVID-19. Rubella and chickenpox are common infections that can cause birth defects. Know your status and get your vaccines up-to-date.
- Prevent or treat infections
- Wash your hands. You do not want to contract a virus such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) which is one of the most common causes of congenital deafness.
- Immediately treat a fever when you’re ill or after getting a vaccine, and avoid hot tubs, saunas, or other environments that might cause you to overheat.
- Keep diabetes under control before becoming pregnant.
- Lose weight. Decreasing your BMI (body mass index) is thought to decrease the rate of certain birth defects.
Remember that every pregnancy is unique, and it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and care. By taking these steps and seeking professional advice, you can increase the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy and set a solid foundation for the well-being of both you and your baby.
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