Causes of Birth Defects
February 3, 2009
Every mother has a desire to give birth to a healthy and fit child. They follow all the instructions of the doctor to ensure that their baby does not enter this world with a birth defect. However, despite various precautions and prayers, there are many children who are born with birth defects. Instead of feeling guilty, getting depressed and cursing your luck and destiny, let’s look at the various factors which lead to birth defects.
According to studies, a majority of the cases of birth defects have no particular reason and cause behind them. However, studies are relating genetics and environmental conditions as the prime factors. When we talk about the role of genetics in birth defects, we are primarily talking about the transfer of some faulty gene and chromosome to the child.
The transfer of one faulty gene can lead to birth defects like achondroplasia which is a form of dwarfism and Marfan syndrome which is a disorder characterized by abnormally long fingers, arms, and legs. Similarly, when both the parents are guilty of transferring faulty genes, the chances of birth defects like ay-Sachs disease or cystic fibrosis are on a high. Also, birth defects such as hemophilia and color-blindness are a result of genetic fault.
Along with genetics, environmental conditions are also responsible for birth defects. These conditions include exposure of the pregnant women to alcohol, drugs, medications, infections and certain chemicals. That is the reason why doctors and experts discourage alcohol abuse in a pregnant woman.
Also, you should avoid exposure to chemicals and infections. The common birth defects of cleft lip and palate are a result of the combination of both genetic and environmental conditions. Thus, it can be said after thorough research that genetics and environmental conditions are the prime causes behind birth defects.
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