Question:

How do we prevent birth defects?

Answer:

This question has been forwarded by Cancer Genetics: About 3-5 % of all babies born will have a birth defect. Birth defects are problems or abnormalities that result in a problem of the structure of the body or organ, change or interrupt the function of the body or organ or interfere with normal metabolism of the body. There are thousands of different types of birth defects – examples are congenital heart abnormalities and cleft lip and or cleft palate. We know that both genetic (chromosomes and genes) and environmental factors (infectious diseases, maternal smoking, alcohol use, etc) cause birth defects. However, in a large percentage of birth defects we do not know the specific cause. While we may not know the specific cause of a birth defect, there are things that a woman can do to help decrease the chance of having a baby with a birth defect. All women who are of childbearing age should take a multivitamin that has folic acid in it. Research has shown that this can help reduce the number of infants born with spina bifida (an opening in the spine). Good prenatal care, proper nutrition during pregnancy, not smoking, drinking or using street drugs will decrease the chance of having a baby with a birth defect. If there are specific birth defects in the family, talking to a genetic counselor about the chance of having a baby with similar problems would be very helpful. There may be ways to avoid the risk or screen for problems either before or during pregnancy. The March of Dimes has an excellent website (below) that has a great deal of information about specific types of birth defects as well as information about causes and prevention. Also, the National Society of Genetic Counselors Resource Center has information about finding a genetic counselor if specific questions needed to be answered. 

For more information:

March of Dimes
Naitonal Society of Genetic Counselors Resouce Link

Response by:

Anne Matthews, R.N., Ph.D. Director, Genetic Counseling and Family Studies Center for Human Genetics School of Medicine Case Western Reserve University