National Birth Defects Awareness Month
February 6, 2023
January was National Birth Defects Awareness Month
January was National Birth Defects Awareness Month, but defects can happen with any birth at any time. By partnering with your doctor, you can reduce the risk of defects for you and your baby.
According to the CDC, birth defects occur in about 1 in 33 infants born in the United States each year. Birth defects cause 1 in every 5 deaths during the first year of life. Any pregnancy is at risk for birth defects, but there are risk factors that increase the likelihood of it. While some birth defects can be genetic, it is difficult to identify the exact cause in most cases.
Birth defects can lead to long-term disability, which can take a toll on individuals and their families. It can also create an increase in hospital bills. Taking proper precautionary measures can reduce the risk of birth defects. Increasing advancements in technology and medicine have led to better survival, and more children born with defects lead full lives.
What Birth Defects Can Look Like
There are many different types of birth defects. Some are easily seen, but others require screenings. Some common birth defects are listed below.
Heart Defects
Children born with heart defects may have trouble hearing or seeing intellectual disabilities, and limited alertness in school. As a result, they may experience learning disabilities and developmental delays.
Spina Bifida
Spina bifida affects the spine. It occurs when the spine and spinal cord do not form properly, leaving some of the spinal cord and spinal nerves exposed. Children living with spina bifida may use braces, crutches, or wheelchairs to get around. Some may walk without any aids with the help of physical therapy to gain strength and movement.
Muscular Dystrophies
Muscular dystrophies include a group of rare muscular diseases that are caused by changes in a person’s genes. Muscle weakness decreases mobility over time, which can make everyday tasks difficult. Early screening and diagnosis increase access to intervention programs and special education sources.
Down Syndrome
People with down syndrome can have a lower IQ, which can cause them to speak less. Physical, occupational, and speech therapies are used to aid children with their development.
Causes and Risk Factors
Any pregnancy is at risk for birth defects. But, there are certain causes and risk factors that increase the chances of birth defects.
Medical and Genetic History
Your genetic history is a risk factor for birth defects. One or more genes may mutate and lead to malfunction. An example of this is Fragile X Syndrome. Medical history and history of infections, like chickenpox, mononucleosis, herpes, and sexually transmitted diseases can cause birth defects. Family history of birth defects and diseases can also increase the risk of birth defects.
Environmental Factors
Maternal infections and exposure to radiation and pollutants can increase the risk of birth defects.
Poor Nutrition
Lack of a healthy diet including a variety of vegetables and fruit is a risk factor. Not ensuring the proper dietary intake of vitamins and minerals can also increase your risk. Drinking alcoholic beverages or intake of drugs can tremendously increase the risk of birth defects. Alcohol present in a baby’s bloodstream interferes with the development of the brain and other critical organs.
Prevention
Not all birth defects can be prevented. But, you can increase your chances of having a healthy baby. Moms-to-be should talk to their OB about any questions or concerns they have.
Medicine and Vaccination
Certain prescription medicine and over-the-counter drugs can cause birth defects. These include common medications such as anti-depressants and anti-seizure drugs. Ask your doctor if the medications you are taking are safe for your baby. Some vaccinations are safe to take during pregnancy, including the COVID-19 vaccine. Speak to your primary care provider about other vaccinations that you can take while pregnant.
Proper diet
Expecting mothers should eat a balanced diet. Having 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid (a type of B vitamin) every day 1 month before and during pregnancy can help prevent major birth defects. Folic acid can be taken in supplements, which can also help prevent spina bifida. Eating a balanced diet also keeps diabetes under control, another risk factor. Unmanaged diabetes increases the risk of birth defects and problems during pregnancy. Speak to your doctor about how to eat right and what vitamins should be taken.
Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, and other drugs
No illegal drugs are safe for pregnant women and their developing baby. This includes before pregnancy and during pregnancy. Alcohol in the bloodstream can enter the umbilical cord and pass on to the developing baby. This can cause undeveloped organs, miscarriage, and stillbirth. Smoking cigarettes can cause preterm birth, birth defects, and infant death. The birth defects include cleft lip and cleft palate. Marijuana is linked to low birth weight. Even where marijuana is legal, it should not be used during any part of pregnancy.
Screening and Diagnosis
Birth defects can be spotted during and after pregnancy, depending on the type. Screening tests can see if the mother or her baby have any problems. However, these tests do not provide a diagnosis. The screening test can give a false positive sometimes, but rarely any false negatives. These tests can be taken during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. Making sure to get the follow-up diagnostic test can help determine if birth defects or any other problems are present. Speak to your OB about the next steps you should take to keep your baby healthy, such as seeing a specialist in high-risk pregnancy.
Living with a Birth Defect
In the end, sometimes things happen, and it's nobody's fault. Trying your best is the best you can do. Let your doctor help you. Special care is needed for babies and families with birth defects. This care can consist of healthcare and also interventions that will help the baby thrive developmentally. Early intervention benefits the outcomes of the child to live a healthy life.
St. Mary’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) provides an individualized, compassionate healing environment by caring for patients ranging from critically ill premature infants to full-term infants with minor illnesses. At St. Mary's, our goal is to maximize the baby's potential and limit the effect of the birth defect. Our neonatologist is available to consult with you and your OB during your pregnancy and will provide care for your infant after birth if neonatal intensive care is needed.