PROBLEMS IN PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT

LOSING A BABY

Sometimes a baby does not develop normally. In some of those cases, the developing baby dies.

Miscarriage- death that occurs before 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Stillbirth- death that occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

The loss of a baby brings shock and pain to the family. Families go through the same stages of grief as they

would if any family member died.

TYPES OF BIRTH DEFECTS

Birth Defects- serious problems that threaten a babies health or ability to live.

There are 100’s of different birth defects. Their effects have a wide range. Some can be corrected immediately while others cannot.

Approximately 3 out of every 100 children born in the U.S have a birth defect.

Some birth defects affect the shape or size of the body. Others affect the function of the body’s systems. Not all birth defects can be detected right away.

CAUSES OF BIRTH DEFECTS

Scientist are constantly researching to find out what causes birth defects.

The cause of about 60% of birth defects is unknown. Through their research they have found that there are

4 main causes for birth defects: Environmental Causes Heredity Causes Errors in Chromosomes Interaction between Environment & Heredity

ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSES

During the first few weeks of pregnancy, a baby develops all the bodily systems needed for survival and normal life.

Many choices the mother makes can greatly affect the development of her baby: The nutritional balance of her diet Diseases or infections mother is introduced to Harmful substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and drugs Some medications that benefit mom, but not baby Exposure to hazards such as radiation etc.

HEREDITY CAUSES

1,000’s of genes make up our genetic blueprint. For each person, 5 or 6 of the recessive genes are

imperfect. A single copy of these genes will have no effect on development.

Sometimes, two defective recessive genes are pass on, or a defective dominate gene is passed on- causing a birth defect.

Some birth defects affect only one sex.

ERROR IN CHROMOSOMES

A few birth defects are linked to a problem with the baby’s chromosomes.

There may be too many or too few chromosomes. These types of defects are not inherited. Down Syndrome is the most common type of birth

defect caused by errors in chromosomes. 1 out of every 800 children are born with Down

Syndrome. The risk is increased significantly if the mother is over 35. A child with Down Syndrome has an extra chromosome

21.

INTERACTION OF HEREDITY & ENVIRONMENT

Some birth defects result from heredity & environment working together.

For example, a baby may inherit a tendency for a heart defect. This defect appears only if some factor- such as a drug or a virus- affect the baby during his or her development. If the environmental factor was avoided, then the heart

defect would not have appeared. Researchers believe that interaction of heredity & environment

is probably the cause for cleft palate, and spina bifida. Taking extra folic acid during pregnancy can prevent spina

bifida.

PREVENTION OF BIRTH DEFECTS

It can be difficult for a child born with a birth defect to live a normal life.

The rest of the family is affected by the emotional and financial strain the defect causes.

Responsible parents do everything they can to minimize the possibility of birth defects.

Causes such as infections, drugs, alcohol can be controlled. Parents need to make healthy choices. Early detection is very important. Some birth defects can be diagnosed and treated before

birth.

GENETIC COUNSELING

This involves researching the families complete medical history.

Through research and laboratory testing the counselor can usually tell the couple what genetic problems are present and their risk of passing those problems onto their child- possibly causing a birth defect.

Most people who seek this type of counseling do so because they are aware of a problem that has been passed down through the family.

PRENATAL TESTS

100’s of birth defects can now be detected before the baby is born.

These tests can alert the doctor to a condition that may be treated before or immediately after birth.

Blood tests may provide this information. Other tests such as Ultrasound, Amniocentesis,

Chorionic villi Sampling can be preformed. These tests carry a higher risk of danger for baby.

ULTRASOUND

Ultrasound uses sound waves to make a video image of the unborn baby.

This allows the doctor to check for specific health problems. The doctor can: Tell if the fetus is developing on schedule. Detect certain defects that involve the skeleton and other

organs. Confirm the due date. Tell if there is more than one fetus.

This test has become common, and poses no risk for mother or baby.

AMNIOCENTESIS

Amniocentesis involves the process of withdrawing a sample of the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby.

The doctor withdraws the fluid using a needle. An ultrasound image is used as a guide when

inserting the needle. This test is most often used to test for Down

Syndrome. This test increases the risk for miscarriage. This test is only preformed when there is strong

medical reason.

CHORIONIC VILLI SAMPLING

Takes a sample of the tissue from the membrane that encases the fetus.

Guided by an ultrasound image, the doctor inserts a tube through the vagina into the uterus. Samples of the uterine tissue are snipped or suctioned off.

This test can be administered earlier in the pregnancy than amniocentesis.

However it carries a higher risk of miscarriage. It also carries a risk of causing birth defects.

Test is administered only after careful consideration.