Birth Defects and Congenital Anomalies 

What Causes Birth Defects? 

Birth defects can be a result of: 

• Lifestyle choices and behaviors 
• Exposure to certain medications and chemicals 
• Infections during pregnancy 
• Genetics 
• Environmental factors 
• A combination of the above factors (also known as multifactorial birth defects)  

What are the risk factors for Birth Defects?   

Certain factors or health conditions can put you at risk of having a child with a birth defect. These may include:   

• Diabetes. 
• Obesity. 
• Age of a birthing parent (over 35 years). 
• A genetic condition existing in your biological family history (genetic predisposition).  

How are Birth Defects Diagnosed?  

Some birth defects are diagnosed during pregnancy through ultrasound, amniocentesis, or chronic villus sampling (CVS). Blood test screening is done to diagnose a baby with a specific birth defect, such as Down syndrome and spina bifida. The other signs of a birth defect during pregnancy include: 

• Protein levels from a blood test are higher or lower than expected. 
• Extra fluid behind a fetus’ neck during an ultrasound. 
• Structural abnormalities of a fetus’ internal organs, like the heart, during a fetal echocardiogram.  

In some cases, a birth defect is diagnosed after birth through physical examination or a blood test that screen for several disorders in newborns. Some birth defects are visible shortly after birth. The common signs and symptoms of birth defects among infants and toddlers include the following:  

• An abnormal rhythm of their heart. 
• Difficulty breathing on their own. 
• Not responding to their name being called or loud noises. 
• Their eyes cannot follow you or an object in front of them. 
• Difficulty feeding. 
• Their head, face, eyes, ears or mouth have unique characteristics. 
• Development delay in children.  

How to Lower the Chances of having a child with a Birth Defect?  

There are many steps that a woman can take to lower her chances of bearing a child with a birth defect during her pregnancy.  

• Stop smoking: Infants born to mothers who smoke tend to be underweight. Additionally, exposure to secondhand smoke can harm the fetus.  

• Maintain a healthy diet: Having a balanced diet before and during pregnancy is not only good for the mother’s overall health, but it is essential for providing the developing fetus with essential nutrients for growth and development. 

• Maintain a healthy weight: Women who are overweight may experience medical problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes, and women who are underweight may give birth to babies with low birthweight.  

• Pregnancy complications: can lead to birth defects include such as amniotic sack that holds the fetus breaks during pregnancy. This can lead to amniotic band syndrome and possible limb amputations. Additionally, when there is not enough fluid that surrounds the fetus in your uterus. This can cause pressure on the fetus and damage its lungs (pulmonary hypoplasia).  

• Medical management of preexisting conditions: Treating any current or preexisting medical problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.  

• Folic acid: Taking 400 micrograms of folic acid every day lowers the risk of neural tube defects, or birth defects of the brain and spinal cord. The vitamin is also found in some green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, nuts, beans, and fortified breakfast cereals.  

• Avoid exposure to alcohol and drugs during pregnancy: Alcohol consumption and certain drugs during pregnancy can increase the risk that an infant will be born with abnormalities. So, be sure to inform your physician of any medications and herbal supplements you are taking, since they can all have adverse effects on the developing fetus.  

• Avoid exposure to harmful substances: These include pesticides, lead and radiation (i.e., x-rays), which may harm the developing fetus.  

• Avoid certain foods & lower your risk of infection. Pregnant women must avoid eating undercooked meat and raw eggs and all exposure to cat feces and cat litter, which may contain a parasite, toxoplasma gondii, that causes toxoplasmosis.   

• Take a vitamin daily: Begin taking a prenatal vitamin daily, prescribed by your health provider, so that your body gets all the necessary nutrients and vitamins needed to nourish a healthy baby.  

• Serious Injury during pregnancy or dealing with domestic violence: Women who suffer serious injury during pregnancy and women who are abused before pregnancy increase the risk of a birth defect in an infant.  

How are Birth Defects Treated?  

Treatment options vary according to the health condition and level of severity. Treatment for congenital anomalies depends on the diagnosis. It usually focuses on reducing the symptoms or repairing any structural abnormalities. They may include: 

• Surgery – This helps to fix certain defects or ease harmful symptoms. Many babies with heart defects will need surgery. Whereas some people with physical birth defects such as cleft lip may undergo plastic surgery. 
• Medications – This is used to treat some birth defects or to lower the risk of complications from certain birth defects. In other cases, medication may be prescribed to the mother to help correct an abnormality before birth. 
• Using devices like hearing aids, glasses, a brace or a wheelchair. 
• Educational support in school (special education).  

Birth defect Surgery at Treatment Possible:  

Treatment Possible is associated with the congenital birth abnormalities in India who are experienced in operating complex cases and ensure the highest success rate. We only work with Top 10 hospital for Congenital Birth Abnormalities in India that are equipped with OT that are compatible with congenital anomalies at birth surgeries. 

Our understanding of the Indian Healthcare market and our valued relation with best hospitals for congenital birth abnormalities surgery in India enables us to maintain the cost that are reasonable, affordable and transparent. The congenital anomalies surgery cost in India through Treatment Possible can be 10-20% lower than similar companies in India and 50-60% cheaper than in other countries.  

You can also send your medical reports for congenital birth abnormalities surgery to care@treatmentpossible.com for free opinions and suggestions from The Birth defect Surgery in India with the hassle-free setup of post-operative recovery care, medical travel & stay during the Medical treatment. No matter what the health condition, you always get good healthcare options and cost advantage from Treatment Possible.