According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), birth defects occur in approximately one out of every 33 babies born in the United States each year. Birth defects generally appear during fetal development and can cause a wide range of medical problems in children, such as physical deformities, physical or mental developmental impairments, and potentially fatal diseases such as sickle cell anemia.
While some birth defects happen due to avoidable factors during pregnancy, not all causes are preventable. However, it’s still important to know the most common ways birth defects occur so that you can prevent these causes (when possible) or manage symptoms effectively as your child ages. Typical causes of birth defects include:
Genetic factors: Conditions such as Down syndrome, as well as inherited medical conditions, occur due to abnormalities in the child’s chromosomes, which contain genes and control physical development. While these defects are not necessarily preventable in your child, it can help for you to get genetic testing done before pregnancy to screen for potential medical problems that your child could inherit.
Exposure to substances: Substances such as alcohol, caffeine, prescription medications, and non-prescription drugs can all contribute to your child’s likelihood of developing a birth defect. Make sure to discuss any medications you take with your doctor before getting pregnant and to avoid alcohol and caffeine as much as possible while pregnant.
Complications during pregnancy: Birth defects can occur due to complications that occur during pregnancy, such as infections, amniotic band syndrome, or a lack of amniotic fluid around the fetus in your uterus. Talk to your doctor about ways you can keep yourself and your baby healthy during pregnancy and prevent these complications from occurring.
Other risk factors, including age and chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and obesity, can also increase your baby’s likelihood of developing birth defects.
You can get help from a specialist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Women’s Health Department to manage risks during pregnancy and keep yourself and your baby healthy. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5702.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.