A congenital defect is a problem that occurs while a baby develops inside the mother's body. Approximately, out of every 33 babies born in the world, one has a congenital defect.
Data from the World Health Organization, and specifically from its Regional Office for Europe, indicate that half a million children are born annually with congenital defects in Europe, with a mortality rate of 2.5 per 1000 live births. But it is known that preventive measures during pregnancy could reduce these figures.
And, although the genetic load influences the appearance of congenital defects, there are other health determinants that have the same and even greater influence, such as lifestyles, the environment and health care.
The health authorities advise to focus on the interaction of all of them, on the individualized knowledge of each one, but also on the identification of the factors that relate them, on which the state of health depends. Thus, intervening in any of these determinants can contribute significantly to the improvement of the health status of the population.
It is emphasized that, since congenital malformations cause a significant disease burden that all countries bear, it is necessary that public administrations, health professionals and citizens themselves have a joint responsibility in prevention, making the greatest possible effort to reduce avoidable causes.
In this context, the Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs has promoted the development of a "Guide for the prevention of congenital defects", thanks to the work of a multidisciplinary group of experts. To better understand this prevention, the latest current knowledge has been compiled regarding the factors that may be the cause of congenital problems and the possibilities of preventing them.
Aimed primarily at healthcare professionals, I think it can provide valuable information to any parent or future father, because it is simple apply certain preventive measures that reduce the incidence of congenital defects. The content is presented in a summarized and useful way, distributed in the following chapters, with annexes and bibliography:
- Nutrition and pregnancy
- Risk of congenital age-derived defects
- Prevention of congenital diseases
- Immunity against maternal-fetal transmission infections
- Chronic diseases and pregnancy
- Habits of life and pregnancy
How to prevent birth defects in the baby?
We recommend reading the "Guide for the prevention of congenital defects" for more information And we end with a summary of the things a woman can do before and during pregnancy to increase her chance of having a healthy baby:
Take 400 mcg of folic acid every day, starting at least one month before becoming pregnant.
Take an extra supplement of at least 200 mcg of iodine per day to prevent birth defects, as this element is essential for the baby's brain development.
Do not drink any alcohol, do not smoke or use illegal drugs.
Consult with a doctor if you can take prescription medications and those sold without a prescription or nutritional or herbal supplements. You should also check before stopping the medications you need to treat a health problem.
You have to prevent infections during pregnancy.
Some conditions increase the risk of birth defects, such as diabetes and obesity, so you have to make sure you have them under control.
If diabetes is not well controlled during pregnancy, it increases the likelihood of the baby being born with birth defects or other problems (it can also cause serious complications in the mother).
Reach and maintain a healthy weight to avoid complications in pregnancy and reduce the risk of birth defects in the baby.
Talk to the doctor about vaccines. There are many safe and recommended vaccines during pregnancy, but others not. Having the right vaccines at the right time can help the mother and her baby stay healthy.
If you are pregnant or planning, consult a doctor. Prenatal care (before the baby is born) can help discover some problems in the early stages of pregnancy for the doctor to monitor and treat before the baby is born.
Make a preconception visit to the gynecologist, especially if you have a chronic illness.
