Birth Defects – Prevent Your Kids through Genetic Testing

Being a problem occurs in a baby for the duration of development in utero or womb, birth defect often result in one out of 35 babies. It can be minor to severe and may affect the appearance, organ functions and physical/mental development. In majority of cases, such defects are present within the first 3 months of pregnancy due to genetic disorders or other reasons. It is the age when organs are forming. Depending on the type, some of them are harmless; while others require long-term medical treatment. Severe birth defects may cause death. 

Reasons behind Birth Defects

Such defects may result in genetics, lifestyle choices and behaviour as well as exposure to certain medicine and chemical and infection for the duration of pregnancy. According to healthcare experts, there is no any certain cause of birth defects or it is known still. Some of the common reasons are given below:

Genetic Disorders 

For the duration of pregnancy, genetic abnormalities to baby are common from mother and father. Such abnormalities may occur due to gene when it becomes flawed due to a mutation. In some cases, a gene or part of a gene might be missing that may result in defect that happen at conception or fertilization. Not to mention a particular defect that may present throughout the family history of one or both parents. 

Non-Genetic Causes 

Possibility of other birth defects can often be difficult or impossible to identify. Possibility of certain behaviours cannot be denied that may increase the risk of birth defects. These behaviours include smoking, drugs, alcohol and other things for the duration of pregnancy. 

Know About the Risk Factors of Birth Defects?

Risk of birth defects may increase under different conditions that include, but not limited to:

•  Family history of birth defects or genetic disorders
•  Excessive use of drugs, alcohol and smoking during pregnancy
•  Maternal age of 35 years and more to carry pregnancy
• Bacterial infection or untreated viral that include sexually transmitted infections
• Using certain high-risk medications 

Common Birth Defects 

According to doctors, there are more than 4000 different types of known birth defects classified as structural or functional/development. According to specialists, structural defects include missing or malformed parts. Others are common that include heart defects, cleft lip or palate, spina bifida, clubfoot and others. Common functional or developmental birth defects include down syndrome, sickle cell diseases, cystic fibrosis and others. 

You need to consult with doctors or ask them to get the genetic testing done.