How to Manage Birth Defects for a Lifetime

MISSION, Kansas / ACCESSWIRE January 16, 2023 (Family features) According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 33 babies will be born with a defect due to birth. Some birth defects can be treated with minimal intervention, but many others have a lasting impact on the child, their parents, and their families for the rest of their lives.

Birth defects are structural abnormalities that occur at birth and can impact almost every part of the human body. They can have a negative impact on how the body looks, feels, and works. They can have serious consequences for your overall health and affect the way the body develops and works.

The awareness of birth defects throughout life helps parents, children and their families to get the help they need. March of Dimes experts will help you learn more about the different stages of birth defects.

Pregnancy: Before and After

While not all birth defects can always be avoided, protecting the mother’s health and her baby’s health throughout pregnancy is a good way to increase the chance of a healthy baby. Major birth defects can be prevented by ensuring that you have adequate folic acid throughout your pregnancy.

Prenatal care is crucial. It prevents infections, avoids alcohol and drugs, controls diabetes, and keeps you from getting too hot.

Infancy

Special care may be required for babies born with a birth defect. Monitoring for specific birth defects during pregnancy or at birth can help identify a problem and ensure that the baby receives supportive care to improve survival rates and quality. Screening newborns for critical congenital heart defects, monitoring the bladder function and monitoring spina bifida children and infants are some examples.

Childhood

Early intervention services and support are important for children with heart conditions and other conditions such as spina bifida or muscular dystrophy. They can assist children with learning difficulties and disabilities, school attendance, participation in school, clubs, and sports, mobility adaptations, and physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

Continue the story

Adolescence

Many teens and young adults with birth defects start to work towards a smooth transition into adulthood. This could include insurance changes or switching from pediatricians and adult doctors.

Other areas of interest include medications, surgery and other procedures; mental and emotional health; social development and relationships within the family; and physical activity.

Adulthood

Certain conditions like heart defects can lead to pregnancy complications and affect sexual function. Talking to a doctor about your particular condition can help you understand the risks.

The CDC states that every pregnancy has a 3% chance for birth defects. This includes women who have not had a healthy lifestyle or are suffering from other health issues. Women who have experienced a pregnancy with a birth defect in the past may be more at risk for future pregnancies.

Talking to a healthcare provider can help you assess these risks. A genetic counselor or clinical geneticist can help you assess your risk for birth defects due to genetic changes, and your family history.

Find more information about birth defect prevention and management at marchofdimes.org/birthdefects.

Photos courtesy Getty Images

Michael French
[email protected]
1-888-824-3337
editors.familyfeatures.com

About Family Features Editorial Syndicate

Family Features is a leading source of high-quality content for home, garden, lifestyle, and food. It offers topically and seasonally appropriate tips, takeaways and information. Additional articles and information are available at

Culinary.net

eLivingToday.com

SOURCE: Family Features

Accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/735368/How-to-Manage-Birth-Defects-for-a-Lifetime