Family History of Birth Defects

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Birth defects – or abnormalities in a newborn baby – can be caused by either or both genetic and environmental factors. The environmental factors – bad pregnancy habits such as smoking, alcoholism, drug addiction, and the like – are the more commonly known causes of birth defects in children. However, genetically induced birth defects – or abnormal growth traits that an unborn child inherits from his or her parents – are not commonly recognized. If unchecked, more and more childbirths will run the risk of having these birth defects.

Unfortunately, there are families with histories of birth defects – weak respiratory and cardiovascular systems, for instance – that often go unnoticed. These births are partly to blame for high cases of congenital heart disease and respiratory complications that are among the leading causes of infant mortality.

Examining one’s family history of birth defects goes a long way, both the process itself and the benefits it holds both for the family and for public health in general. One can easily gain a general perspective of how a disease permeates the family line through an initial survey. Who among your immediate family members, for instance, have known heart diseases? Tick off and go as far back as you can go.

Unfortunately, parents who were born with a certain childbirth defect run a higher risk of passing on that birth defect to their children. Upon medical consultation, however, doctors can provide healthy options that can lessen the burden of possible childbirth complications.

To avoid any childbirth abnormalities, medications taken during pregnancy must always be approved by the doctor, as well as vaccines and other substances ingested. Switching to a healthy lifestyle – quitting smoking, alcoholism, and drug use – can also do wonders for most births. Exercising for a stronger heart may also significantly reduce heart-related birth defects, as well as reduce the risks of childbirth-related deaths in mothers. Religiously taking supplements, vitamins, and other doctor-recommended and prescribed medication for a stronger body system during pregnancy may also increase the chances of healthier births.

To successfully weather the risks posed by genetic birth defects, mothers must also take extra caution with their usual activities which may trigger worsening conditions in existing complications. Mothers with lung complications, for instance, must not engage in heavy work during pregnancy. Asthma, a common congenital complication, may be managed by not doing things that will trigger attacks, like lessening exposure to irritants such as dust.

Knowing these childbirth possibilities will also aid in family planning, especially through birth spacing. More widespread knowledge about managing family histories of birth defects will ultimately lead to more scientific breakthroughs at actually preventing these from ever occurring.

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