Understanding Congenital Abnormalities and Their Causes

Understanding Congenital Abnormalities and Their Causes –  Birth defects or birth defects are defects that occur from birth. This problem is caused by problems with the growth and development of the fetus in the womb. Birth defects can cause birth defects or dysfunction of certain organs or body parts.

Understanding Congenital Abnormalities and Their Causes

roskapital – WHO data shows that more than 8 million babies worldwide are born with serious illnesses every year. Of the many babies born with birth defects, around 300,000 of them die within a few days to 4 weeks after birth. In Indonesia alone, it is estimated that there are around 295,000 birth deaths every year, or around 7% of all infant deaths.

Some babies born with birth defects survive. However, these babies are generally at greater risk of experiencing health problems or disabilities in certain organs or body parts, such as the legs, arms, heart and brain.

Birth defects can occur at any stage of pregnancy. However, most birth defects occur in the first month of pregnancy, when the fetal organs begin to form. This disease can be seen during pregnancy, when the baby is born, or during the child’s growth and development.

There are many causes of birth defects in babies
There are many reasons why a baby can be born with defects, including:

1. Genetics
Genetic factors determine the form and function of the body. . Organisms are carried by chromosomes. Chromosomes are the parts that carry genetic material passed from parents to offspring.

The normal number of human chromosomes is 23 pairs. Each pair of chromosomes comes from the mother’s egg and the father’s sperm, and the two come together at fertilization.

If there is a chromosomal or genetic abnormality, for example a child is born without 46 chromosomes or is born with an extra chromosome, then he may experience problems at birth. This genetic disorder can be inherited or can also be caused by mutations or changes in the genetic characteristics of the fetus during pregnancy.

2. Environment
Exposure to radiation or certain substances in pregnant women, such as pesticides, drugs, alcohol, cigarette smoke and mercury, can be a risk for giving birth to a baby. The reason is, the toxic effects of these substances can cause interference with the growth and development of the fetus.

3. Malnutrition During Pregnancy
It is estimated that 94% of cases of birth defects found in developing countries attack babies born to mothers who did not eat well during pregnancy.

Most mothers with this condition do not have enough nutrition to support the formation of fetal organs in the uterus. Nutrients that are important for pregnant women and the fetus include folic acid, protein, iron, calcium, vitamin A, iodine and omega-3.

In addition to malnutrition, mothers who are obese during pregnancy also have a fairly high risk of giving birth to babies with congenital abnormalities.

4. Condition of pregnant women
During pregnancy, there are many conditions or diseases in the mother that can increase the risk of the fetus in her womb to experience congenital abnormalities. Some of these conditions and diseases include:

• Infections during pregnancy, such as amniotic fluid infection, syphilis, rubella, or zika virus
• Anemia during pregnancy
• Pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia
• Side effects of drugs taken during pregnancy
• Unhealthy habits during pregnancy, such as using drugs, consuming alcoholic beverages, and smoking
• The age of the pregnant mother who was quite old when pregnant, because the older the mother’s age when pregnant, the
• higher the risk of congenital abnormalities in the baby she is carrying
• Congenital Abnormalities That Often Occur in Babies
• Congenital abnormalities or congenital abnormalities in babies can be grouped into two, namely physical abnormalities and functional abnormalities. Here is the explanation:

 

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Physical abnormalities
Some abnormalities or physical defects in the baby’s body that are often found include:

• Cleft lip (cleft lip and palate)
• Congenital heart disease
• Neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly
• Abnormal body parts, such as clubfoot or crooked feet
• Abnormal shape and position of the pelvic bones (congenital hip dislocation)
• Abnormalities in the digestive tract, such as Hirschsprung’s disease, anal fistula, and anal atresia
• Functional abnormalities
• Functional abnormalities are birth defects associated with disorders of the body’s organ systems and functions.
• Some types of

disorders or functional disabilities that often occur include:

• Brain and nerve disorders, such as Down Syndrome
• Metabolic disorders, such as hypothyroidism and phenylketonuria
• Disorders of the body’s senses, such as deafness and blindness (for example due to congenital
• cataracts)Muscle disorders, such as muscular dystrophy
• Blood disorders, such as hemophilia, thalassemia, and sickle cell anemia
• Abnormalities in the structure of the respiratory tract, such as laryngomalacia

 

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• Early Detection and Treatment of Congenital Disorders
• Congenital disorders can be detected since the fetus is still in the womb. To detect whether there is a congenital disorder in the fetus, the doctor can perform an ultrasound examination of the womb, fetal blood tests, genetic tests, and amniocentesis or taking a sample of amniotic fluid.
• However, congenital disorders are sometimes only detected when the baby is born or after he is a child, even after adulthood. Congenital abnormalities are usually not detected because the mother rarely or never undergoes pregnancy check-ups.
• After being diagnosed with a congenital abnormality, the baby or child needs to receive treatment, such as medication, physiotherapy, use of assistive devices, and surgery to repair the defective body part or organ.

In many cases, birth defects, especially those that are hereditary, cannot be prevented. However, there are many ways to reduce your risk of developing this disease, including:

• Eat a healthy and balanced diet
• Get vaccinations as recommended by your doctor
• Stop smoking or become a passive smoker
• Limit alcohol intake
• Exercise regularly
• Get more sleep and avoid excessive stress during pregnancy