About
Birth defects are defined as structural, functional, or body metabolism related abnormalities that are present at birth and can lead to physical or mental problems or to death. Genes, environmental factors or some other unknown factors can cause birth defects.
Worldwide, at least 7.9 million people are born with a birth defect every year. About 10% of birth defects are caused due to environmental factors. The risk identification for exposure to such factors is of paramount importance as this form of birth defects can be prevented to a large extent if appropriate caution is taken.
The environmental factors can be classified into 3 broad categories namely-
- Chemical sources- drugs and substances such as alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, commonly used medicines
- Biological sources- various microorganisms
- Physical sources- heat, radiation
Anything that circulates in the maternal blood can cross the placenta and reach the fetus. Substances that are capable of producing abnormalities during intrauterine development are called as teratogens.
Environmental causes of birth defects are related to the mother's health and exposure to chemicals or diseases. The developing baby is particularly vulnerable to environmental factors between 5-10th week of pregnancy.
Exposure to environmental factors can cause a wide range of birth defects like mental retardation, vision problems, deafness, cerebral palsy, heart defects, cleft palate, etc. Prior detection of abnormalities during the gestational period ensures better preparation at the time of birth. Parents can also opt between termination of pregnancy or non-intervention, if serious birth defects are detected.
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APA
Dr. Trupti Shirole. (2014, September 26). Environmental Birth Defects - Chemical Factors - Biological Sources - Diagnosis - Treatment - FAQs. Medindia. Retrieved on Jun 06, 2023 from https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/environmental-birth-defects.htm.
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MLA
Dr. Trupti Shirole. "Environmental Birth Defects - Chemical Factors - Biological Sources - Diagnosis - Treatment - FAQs". Medindia. Jun 06, 2023. <https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/environmental-birth-defects.htm>.
Chicago
Dr. Trupti Shirole. "Environmental Birth Defects - Chemical Factors - Biological Sources - Diagnosis - Treatment - FAQs". Medindia. https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/environmental-birth-defects.htm. (accessed Jun 06, 2023).
Harvard
Dr. Trupti Shirole. 2014. Environmental Birth Defects - Chemical Factors - Biological Sources - Diagnosis - Treatment - FAQs. Medindia, viewed Jun 06, 2023, https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/environmental-birth-defects.htm.
Latest Publications and Research on Environmental Birth Defects
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- Access to public transport and childhood obesity: A systematic review. - Published by PubMed
- Inhibiting MARSs reduces hyperhomocysteinemia-associated neural tube and congenital heart defects. - Published by PubMed
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Japan-Is It Similar to or Different from Westerns? - Published by PubMed
I am very interested in research into the FAS and FASD developing in babies from the paternal side. I have read in literature from USA that binge drinking young males could damage the sperm count enough to father children with FAS or FASD even if the mother does not drink whilst pregnant. Is there any UK research on this subject?