Many environmental and genetic factors cause congenital malformations in newborns, knowing that they are common things that are discovered as soon as the child is born, and a group of symptoms appear that explain this. Although they are among the diseases that cannot be cured, they can be prevented by avoiding many factors and good follow-up during pregnancy through a specialized center such as Al-Mousa Specialized Center, in order to receive the necessary health care, and given the different types of these malformations and in order to avoid them as much as possible.
What are congenital malformations in newborns?
It is a defect in one of the body’s organs and is discovered from the first moments of birth, resulting in a defect in its function or formation.
Note that congenital malformations in newborns are nothing but structural changes that appear clearly at birth.
These deformities are divided into several types, including those that affect the nervous and digestive systems or even the heart. Note that there are many reasons that lead to this, most notably genetic factors.
The doctor uses several methods to diagnose the condition, especially personal examinations, blood tests, etc., but in general, congenital malformations in newborns are considered difficult to recover from.
Some people take a number of preventive measures in order to avoid developing such deformities, knowing that there are some serious deformities that require immediate medical intervention.
What are the types of congenital malformations in newborns?
There are many types of congenital malformations in newborns, which include all of the following:
1Heart defects
Heart defects are considered one of the most prominent types of congenital malformations in newborns, as they cause both ventricular and atrial septal defects in addition to tetralogy of Fallot.
In addition, it includes both aortic stenosis as well as the aortic valve and the pulmonary valve.
As well as defects of the patent ductus arteriosus, in addition to the hypoplastic left heart.
2. Genetic abnormalities
There are many congenital malformations in newborns, especially those due to genetic causes, which are divided into all of the following:
First: Deformities caused by a viral infection
There are many types of genetic abnormalities that occur as a result of a woman being infected with a viral infection during pregnancy, the most important of which are the following:
- Fetal rubella syndrome.
- Congenital varicella syndrome.
- Fifth disease.
- Congenital syphilis.
Second: known genetic abnormalities
There are a group of common genetic abnormalities, the most prominent of which are the following:
- Anencephaly resulting from neural tube defects.
- harelip.
- Cerebral palsy.
- Hypothyroidism.
- Cleft palate.
- Developmental dysplasia of the hip.
- Fetal alcohol syndrome.
3. Digestive system abnormalities
Many congenital malformations of the digestive system sometimes occur in newborns, the most important of which are anal obstruction or gastroschisis, in addition to narrowing of the pyloric opening of the stomach and hiatal hernia.
It is also possible to suffer from obstructive disease of the esophagus and bile duct, as well as omphalocele.
4. Genetic abnormalities
Newborns are affected by a group of genetic deformities, including Tay-Sachs disease, as well as muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, sickle cell anemia, and others.
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Symptoms of congenital malformations in newborns
There is an important group of symptoms that appear in newborns when suffering from a congenital malformation, which of course differ depending on the type of malformation, the most important of which are the following:
- Cardiac abnormalities: The child shows poor growth and shortness of breath, in addition to a change in the color of the nails, lips, and skin to blue.
- Nervous system abnormalities: appear in the form of the absence of parts of the skull and brain, as well as problems in the body’s vital systems.
- Digestive system abnormalities: malnutrition as well as lung infections, in addition to problems in the functions of the digestive system.
- Obvious deformities: such as cleft lip, in addition to swelling around the umbilical cord and other symptoms.
- Reproductive system abnormalities: early miscarriage, pain during intercourse, in addition to abdominal pain, especially during menstruation, difficulty inserting a tampon.
Causes and risk factors of congenital malformations in children
There are many causes of congenital malformations in newborns, the most important of which are the following:
First: neglecting the mother’s nutrition
The mother’s healthy nutrition during pregnancy affects the health of the fetus and vice versa, as increased intake of vitamin A may cause abnormal growth of the fetus, and a deficiency in folic acid intake also causes congenital malformations in newborns, especially in the neural tube.
Second: genetic factors
Genetic factors are considered one of the most important causes of congenital malformations in newborns, as genetic genes play a major role in this occurrence, as a result of a defect in them.
Third: Environmental factors
The mother's exposure during pregnancy to some harmful substances causes the fetus to potentially suffer from some birth defects, such as tobacco, radiation, and alcohol, in addition to taking some medications, in addition to pesticides and some chemicals.
Fourth: infection
Mothers are sometimes exposed during pregnancy to some infections such as German measles in addition to the Zika virus, which leads to an increased risk of many congenital malformations in newborns.
How to diagnose congenital malformations in newborns
There are a number of methods through which congenital malformations in newborns can be diagnosed, the most important of which are the following:
- Imaging examinations, including ultrasound, in addition to magnetic resonance imaging.
- Conduct a metabolic analysis.
- The doctor conducts a clinical examination during which he looks for signs that indicate congenital malformations in newborns.
- Conducting some tests, especially those that help detect blood disorders.
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Tips for preventing congenital malformations in newborns
A certain number of guidelines can be followed that contribute to the prevention of congenital malformations in newborns, which are as follows:
- He received all vaccines to prevent many diseases, especially German measles.
- Completely avoid exposure to any harmful chemicals, avoid consuming alcohol and some medications without a prescription, and avoid exposure to pesticides.
- Follow a healthy diet based on eating vegetables, fruits, and the required vitamins.
- Complete avoid exposure to radiation or toxic substances.
- Maintain the blood sugar level as much as possible.
In conclusion, we clarify that congenital malformations in newborns are common things that occur as a result of exposure to some toxic substances during pregnancy, taking some medications, or infection. However, it is possible to follow a healthy lifestyle and avoid the risk factors that promote this infection. However, once this is discovered, one must go to the treating physician as well as a specialized place such as Al Mousa Specialist Center as soon as this matter is discovered in order to avoid exacerbation of the problem, and given the presence of an elite group of doctors specialized in various fields who provide the greatest possible amount of medical care.
الأسئلة الشائعة:
What are the symptoms of giving birth to a deformed baby?
Symptoms are sometimes clear, such as physical deformities, including defects in the limbs, lips, etc., as well as problems in growth and development, in addition to defects in functions such as movement, speech, digestion, and others.
When does a child know that he is deformed?
This is known when a defect in one of the body's functions appears or some symptoms appear, such as deformity of some parts of the body and the failure of one of the organs to perform its function.
When does the risk of fetal deformity disappear?
There is no specific time for this, but the infection rate can decrease after the first 3 months of pregnancy, bearing in mind that the risk does not go away as long as the growth stages continue.
Does fetal movement indicate that it is safe from deformities?
The movement of the fetus does not necessarily indicate that it is free from deformities, but it is evidence of the integrity of some motor functions as well as the muscular and nervous system, and evidence of the normal development of the fetus.
Sources
Congenital malformations – ncbi
Congenital disorders – who
