Birth defects
Birth Defects
Birth defects (pronunciation: /bɜːrθ dɪˈfɛkts/), also known as congenital anomalies or congenital disorders, are conditions that are present from birth. They can cause physical or mental disabilities, and sometimes both. The etymology of the term "birth defect" is straightforward, with "birth" referring to the time of occurrence and "defect" indicating an imperfection or abnormality.
Causes
Birth defects can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic factors, exposure to certain medications or chemicals during pregnancy, certain infections during pregnancy, and certain maternal health conditions, such as diabetes or obesity. However, in many cases, the exact cause of a birth defect is unknown.
Types of Birth Defects
There are many different types of birth defects, including:
- Heart defects: These are the most common type of birth defect. They can range from minor defects that cause no symptoms to severe defects that require immediate medical treatment.
- Neural tube defects: These are defects of the brain and spinal cord, such as spina bifida and anencephaly.
- Cleft lip and cleft palate: These are defects of the lip and mouth.
- Down syndrome: This is a genetic disorder that causes intellectual disability and distinctive physical features.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Birth defects can often be diagnosed before birth through prenatal testing. Some birth defects can be treated or managed with surgery, medication, or other medical interventions. However, some birth defects cannot be corrected and may cause lifelong disabilities or health problems.
Prevention
While not all birth defects can be prevented, some can be avoided by taking certain steps before and during pregnancy, such as taking folic acid supplements, avoiding certain medications and chemicals, and managing chronic health conditions.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Birth defects
- Wikipedia's article - Birth defects
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