There are over 4,000 types of birth defects, with heart defects and oral clefts being common. Fetal defects can be caused by genetics, environmental factors, and medication. Heart defects are the most common, affecting 1 in 100 births. Down syndrome occurs in 1 in 800 births, while spina bifida affects 1 in 2,500 births.
When a woman gets pregnant, it can be a joyous time. However, it can also be a stressful time, as there are more than 4,000 types of birth defects with some of the most common being heart defects, oral clefts, cystic fibrosis, and Down syndrome. In the United States alone, one in 33 babies is born with some type of birth defect. Fetal defects can be divided into three categories: multifactorial birth defects, chromosomal birth defects, and single-gene defects. Most birth defects are contracted during the first trimester of pregnancy. Fetal defects produce some kind of disability for the baby and can sometimes even lead to death.
Nearly a third of all fetal defects are heart defects, making this one of the most common birth defects. Heart abnormalities can occur in one child in every 100 births. The reason heart defects are so common is because the heart is a complex organ. As the organ develops, there is more chance that something will go wrong.
Heart defects in newborns can come in many forms and can be mild or severe. Atrial and ventricular septal defects occur when a baby is born with a hole in the heart. The hole prevents the circulating blood from being completely oxygenated. Other heart abnormalities can include a narrow aorta and an underdeveloped left side of the heart. Heart abnormalities can develop due to multiple factors in the first three months of pregnancy, including alcohol abuse, infections, and use of certain medications.
Another common fetal defect that affects about one in 700 births is the oral cleft. This birth defect occurs early in a child’s development and involves the failure of the upper lip and the roof of the mouth to form abnormally. The condition has varying degrees of severity and can affect both sides of the face. The exact reason cracking occurs is unknown, but it is thought to be the result of a combination of environmental and genetic components.
Fetal defects can also be caused by genetics. Many people carry the cystic fibrosis gene. XNUMX% of children with two parents who have the gene will develop the disorder. Cystic fibrosis is a disease that occurs mainly in Caucasians and causes children to have difficulty breathing and digesting food.
Down syndrome, a chromosomal disorder that occurs in about one in every 800 births, occurs when babies are born with an extra chromosome. Children with Down syndrome have distorted facial features, variable intellectual disabilities, and other health problems. The older the pregnant woman, the higher the risk that her baby may develop Down syndrome.
Spina bifida is another common birth defect. This condition occurs in one of every 2,500 births in the United States. The condition affects a child’s spine and can lead to paralysis and bladder disorders. Other fetal defects may involve the gastrointestinal tract, eyes and muscles.
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