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Birth Defects - Types, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
Everybody wishes their baby to be born healthy and happy. And most babies do. Statistics, however, reveal that in about 100 babies, 3 babies have a strong chance of being born with birth defects or abnormalities. Although the presence of a defect can pose certain challenges in your baby’s growth, there are ways certain defects can be treated or prevention measures can be taken during pregnancy itself.
What are Birth Defects?
Birth defects in babies can be defined in the simplest way as problems in the normal functionality or growth of various internal organs or parts of the baby’s body. These could range from motor limb movement to internal body processes, to long-term impairment as well.
Common Birth Defects
There are around 5000 types of birth defects that a baby can have. Some of these don’t pose a great threat, some of them can be debilitating, while others can be prevented or treated later. Some common ones are listed below:
1. Fragile X Syndrome
This is a chromosomal defect that is generally observed in male babies. One out of 1500 babies has a strong chance of suffering from this syndrome.
Babies having this syndrome have a long face, large ears, flat feet, teeth clamped together, heart issues, or even slightly autistic symptoms. Many times, these symptoms cannot be diagnosed immediately and the baby might seem fine even after birth. It’s only when they grow up to be 1.5 to 2 years old is where this syndrome might be diagnosed.
2. Down Syndrome
This is yet another chromosomal defect that is common in babies. One out of 800 babies has been observed to have this defect.
These are majorly slanting eyes, tiny ears that fold in the upper area, a small mouth and nose, short neck, tiny fingers, and so on. Internally, such kids usually suffer from infections in the ear and have issues with the heart and intestinal growth. Many have trouble in seeing and hearing things as well.
3. Phenylketonuria
Also known as PKU, this is a biochemical defect that is comparatively rarer than others in the country. On a larger scale, one out of 15000 babies is known to have this condition.
A child suffering from PKU has a body that does not contain a particularly important enzyme, called as phenylalanine. This enzyme is responsible for the crucial function of breaking down the protein in the body for further processes. If the enzyme is absent, as in the case of PKU, the protein starts building up within the body. This can be dangerous and lead to making the child mentally retarded.
4. Sickle Cell
This is another biochemical defect which is also comparatively rare in our region. In other countries, one out of 625 babies is known to have this condition.
What the disease does is directly morph the haemoglobin cells inside the blood. This results in their shape undergoing distortion and starts resembling a sickle-like structure instead of the normal round shape. These abnormal cells end up being destroyed by the liver or spleen, resulting in a reduction in iron, causing anaemia. It is known to cause a lot of pain since the cells might end up blocking other blood vessels and reduce oxygen supply. The child may tire out, have breathing trouble, and become pale.
5. Missing Body Limbs
A physical body defect, the reason behind this defect is yet unknown. Many doctors believe that this anatomical anomaly occurs in the foetus when the pregnant mother is exposed to a particular virus or a chemical compound that doesn’t harm the mother but affects the womb.
Such children could be born with a missing or malformed hand or leg, missing fingers, etc. Many children to learn to live their lives adapting to what they have, but most doctors suggest using a prosthesis early on in their lives.
6. Spina Bifida
Another bodily defect, this usually occurs in one out of 2000 babies that are born, and majorly in northern parts of the world.
During the growth of the baby, as the spine is being formed, the neural tube between the brain and the spine does not develop normally. This causes the backbone to remain open. This condition is usually detected during pregnancy itself and care is taken to opt for caesarean delivery to handle the baby in the right manner. In certain cases, this condition can cause paralysis of the legs as well as bowels related problems in the child.
7. Cleft Lip
This physical defect is observed more often than not in many people. Nearly one out of 700 babies suffer from this abnormality. The reason for this is known to vary between a genetic cause and environmental conditions.
In this anomaly, the roof of the mouth known as hard palate, and the back of the mouth known as the short palate, and the upper lip, fail to close properly. During growth in the womb, these three sections usually separate in the early stages itself. This could result in the child have a small notch in the upper lip or right through the gums to the nose. Such babies have issues with communicating and even eating food or breastfeeding in early stages. Ear infections are also known to be a common occurrence in them.
8. Clubfoot
Observed two times as much in boys as in girls, this physical anomaly occurs in one out of 1000 babies, affecting the growth of the foot or the ankle.
The severity of the defect can vary and most babies do not have a problem with clubfoot until they start learning to stand or communicate with others. In such cases, the foot sometimes might need to be forced into the correct position for it to continue growing properly.
9. Heart Defects
As dangerous as it may sound, in certain cases, some defects may not show any strong impact on the baby. Observed in one out of 110 babies, these usually occur due to genetic issues or growth anomalies in the foetus.
This can only be observed by a keen doctor who notices unusual heart sounds, which are called as murmurs. If the heart defect is severe, it can be detected right away. The heartbeat could be rapid, the baby might have breathing difficulties, swelling in various parts of the body and a slightly bluish skin. If left untreated, the heart may fail to circulate enough blood through the body and be fatal
What Causes Birth Defects?
Some of the common causes of birth defects are,
1. Environmental Factors
Such causes can range from infections to abusive and improper behaviour during the baby’s development. If a mother has not had vaccinations in her childhood, she could be susceptible to diseases like toxoplasmosis, chickenpox, rubella, and so on. These infections are known to affect the foetus as well, resulting in abnormal growth and birth defects.
Furthermore, consumption of alcohol or smoking during pregnancy, as well as taking strong medication against the advice of a doctor, could also harm the baby.
2. Genetic Factors
When a baby is formed, it incorporates one chromosome from each parent to form its own. The pairing of each chromosome has to be perfect since it defines the characteristics of a human being. Any errors during the pairing can result in genetic birth defects from occurring since there are a wrong number of chromosomes or even damaged ones. Down syndrome is observed a baby inherits an extra chromosome. Certain defects are passed on from the parents since they have the same disorder, too. Many conditions are linked to the X chromosome and hence are inherited by male babies from their mothers.
Risk Factors for Birth Defects
Here are some risk factors for birth defects in babies.
Consuming strong medication or tablets harmful during pregnancy, namely lithium or isotretinoin
Presence of infections within the body or even sexually transmitted diseases
Absence or improper administration of care during pregnancy
Using drugs, consuming alcohol, smoking cigarettes while pregnant
Being pregnant when the mother is 35 or older than it
Existing birth defects or genetic disorders in the parents or family
Diagnosis
A mother might be advised to undertake a test during pregnancy for birth defects detection and analysis. These tests generally hint at a possibility of a defect and are not fully conclusive. Certain defects can be observed only after the baby is born. Thereafter, tests might be conducted on the baby and required measures might be formulated.
Treatment
Once signs of birth defects during pregnancy are observed, doctors might talk about the possibility of treatment based on its severity. Certain medications might be given to the mother to treat the defect before the child is born. Some of them might be administered later to reduce the risks arising from the defect. Physical abnormalities can be fixed using surgeries depending on their complexity. Such babies require proper care and attention once they are taken back home.
How can you Prevent Birth Defects?
Certain anomalies cannot be prevented but some congenital birth defects can be avoided by taking the right measures. Staying vaccinated, preventing infections, a balanced nutritious diet, avoiding medication, and proper exercise go a long way in ensuring a healthy baby.
Birth defects do not necessarily mean that your baby can never have a normal life. These are still human beings in all their right and simply need some more support and help than others. With the right guidance and care, most babies can grow up to be healthy adults and lead great lives.
Also Read:
Neural Tube Defects in Babies
Conginental Heart Defects in Babies Read more
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How to Shoo Fruit Flies Away From Your Kitchen!
Fruit flies invade your kitchen, attack your fruits and vegetables, and lay their eggs wherever they can find a nesting place. They're pesky little creatures that come uninvited and overshoot their stay, leaving you always wondering how to prevent fruit flies from making your home theirs.
Overripe fruits and vegetables are an open invitation for fruit flies to make themselves at home. No matter how much you try to chase them away, they just refuse to go. Maturing from egg to adult in just over a week, it’s no wonder one can never seem to get rid of them. Luckily, there are a number of effective ways to prevent, fight and ultimately rid your kitchen of these unwanted pests.
How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies in the Kitchen Naturally
1. Seal all inlets
Prevention is better than cure, the saying goes, and this applies to pests as well. When you learn how to prevent fruit flies, you won’t be left with the task of getting rid of them in the first place. These little critters fly in through doors and windows that are left open. Ensure entry points are properly sealed with screens and that your doors are closed shut at all times.
2. Cover all fruits and vegetables
Here’s what to do for fruit flies when they attack your fruits and vegetables–keep them covered. This will also keep other pests and dirt from contaminating them. Mesh coverings are the best for fruits and veggies although placing them in glass bowls and covering them with a lid works just as well.
3. Use garbage bins with lids
The odour of overripe fruit and vegetable peels in your garbage bin are going to bring those fruit flies swarming in. You need to keep a lid on trash cans at all times and dispose garbage regularly. Among other things, wash the bins regularly to get rid of any eggs laid inside.
4. Try a natural vinegar solution
These pests are naturally drawn to the scent of vinegar so you can beat them by setting vinegar traps for fruit flies. Take a bowl and fill it with a little vinegar and some water. Cover it securely with foil or a plastic wrap and poke some holes into it, large enough for the flies to enter and keep them trapped inside. Once inside the bowl, they shouldn’t be able to get out and will eventually drown.
When preventing them from infiltrating your kitchen doesn’t work, setting a trap for fruit flies in the house is your next best solution. If you don’t want to waste your vinegar or red wine, sugary bait works just as well or even better. The next time you have a decaying fruit sitting in your fridge waiting to be tossed in the bin, use it to make a fruit fly trap instead. You can add a little juice or soda as an added incentive and successfully learn how to kill fruit flies in the kitchen. Read more
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Natural Ingredients That Are Wonderful For Your Baby's Skin
Everyone knows that babies are like delicate little flowers that need extra love, care and attention to bloom. We love their soft, gentle skin that’s almost too exquisite to touch and realise that it needs to be looked after really well. But did you also know that your baby’s skin is five times thinner than yours? This means that it easily absorbs just about anything, making it all the more important to carefully oversee what comes in contact with your little one. And yes, this includes what you apply topically on his skin.
Your little one's soft skin is extremely sensitive, and applying chemical-laden or harsh products on it can cause rashes and allergies. It is your responsibility as a mom to choose skincare options that take care of your baby's skin gently and naturally. Himalaya BabyCare’s belief system ties in with this beautifully – it trusts only natural, herbal care for your baby’s soft skin. They have a soothing and mild range of baby products that contain pure herbal actives.
1. Almond Oil in baby soap and powder
Your baby is blessed with naturally soft and smooth skin. However, you have to take care of it to ensure it stays that way. And even if your baby has dry skin, almond oil is what it needs. For almond oil is rich in Vitamins A, B2, B6, and Vitamin E, which keep your baby's skin soft, moisturized and healthy.
2. Aloe Vera in diaper rash cream
Safe and wonderfully effective cure for common baby skin problems like eczema, diaper rash, and dry and irritated skin, aloe vera is one ingredient that must certainly be used in your baby's daily skincare regimen. It also acts as an antibacterial agent and an astringent, both of which accelerate the healing of baby's skin.
3. Castor Oil in baby soap
Castor oil helps reduce common baby skin problems like itching, rashes and skin inflammation. It is therefore a good idea to use a baby soap that is infused with the goodness of castor oil. Himalaya's Nourishing Baby Soap contains honey, sunflower and milk together with castor oil. These are natural emollients that moisturize baby’s skin while also reducing itching and inflammation. The best part is that it is completely natural and therefore safe to use on your baby’s skin during every bath!
4. Chickpea in baby body wash
Rich in antioxidants, chickpea helps treat skin diseases and effectively fights dandruff. It also gently cleans, soothes and nourishes your little one's skin. Little wonder then that it has long been used in Ayurveda for skincare.
5. Five-Leaved Chaste Tree in baby wipes and diaper rash cream
The five-leaved chaste tree helps prevent and reduce redness, inflammation and diaper rash. Since it has antibacterial and antifungal properties, it helps treat skin infections. It also helps relieve aches and pains.
6. Olive Oil in baby cream and lotion
Rich in Vitamin E, olive oil smoothens, softens and nourishes baby's delicate skin. It also prevents chafing and protects baby's skin from infection. All in all, it helps ensure that baby's skin stays supple and healthy.
7. Natural Zinc in diaper rash cream and prickly heat powder
When you’re looking for a sure-shot way to keep baby's skin dry and also heal diaper rash, natural Zinc is the cure you need. With antiseptic and astringent properties, it provides immediate relief and is traditionally used to help heal wounds fast. Pick up Himalaya's Diaper Rash Cream to utilise the goodness of natural zinc and easily soothe your baby’s red and irritated skin. This also forms a protective layer on baby's skin so he is protected even in the future.
Now that you know which natural ingredients to look for in your baby’s products, you can finally get some peace. Trusting in natural formulations is the safest option to ensure your baby enjoys healthy, problem-free skin that radiates happiness! Read more
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माँ की सीख एवं संस्कारों से ही बनें हम काबिल इंसान ("कहानी")
छोटी सी मुन्नी आज फिर उदास मन लेकर स्कूल जा रही थी। माँ ने कहा," नाश्ता करके ही जा बेटी", मुन्नी खाली पेट बिलकुल मत जाना कभी । मुन्नी रोते हुए बोली " माँ, दादी रोज़-रोज़ मुझे ताने मारती है" और बोलती रहती है हमेशा खानदान में सब बहुओं को बेटियाँ ही हो गई, तो कुल एवं वंश डूब जाएगा। अब चाची को भी बेटी हुई तो उसमें क्या हुआ?? "वह तो छोटी बहन है ना मेरी"?, पड़ोस वाली आंटी के बेटे को बहुत ही प्रेम और स्नेह से गोद में लेकर खिला रही थी, दादी, जैसे उन्हीं का पोता हो ।
माँ ने कहा, तू स्कूल जा बेटी, दादी की तरफ ध्यान नहीं देना, तुझे अभी से कड़ी मेहनत करके पढ़ाई-लिखाई करनी है। स्कूल में शिक्षक-शिक्षिकाओं से शिक्षाप्रद एवं अच्छे आचरण सीखने हैं, बेटी," तू यूँ ही इन फ़िज़ूल बातों पर अपना समय बर्बाद मत कर" । स्कूल जाने के बाद मुन्नी बहुत गहन विचार से सोचती है, माँ बिलकुल सही बात कह रही है। माँ ना जाने दादी के तानों को, इतना नौकरी करके, घर परिवार के सब काम करके और दादा-दादी, नाना-नानी, हमारा व पिता जी का भी ख्याल करके जाने कैसे बर्दाश्त करती है??? बर्दाश्त या सहन करने की कुछ सीमा निश्चित है भी कि नहीं??
शाम को स्कूल से आने के बाद मुन्नी ने माँ के संस्कारों का पालन करने का सोचते हुए, चाय-नाश्ता किया और अपनी पढ़ाई करने बैठ गई । "मन ही मन सोच रही थी मुन्नी, माँ सही तो कहती है" मैं अपनी पढ़ाई-लिखाई पर पूरा ध्यान दूंगी, तभी तो एक काबिल इंसान बन सकूंगी, लड़कों से आगे निकल सकूंगी, कुल का नाम रौशन कर सकूंगी । आज बेटियाँ भी तो कुल का नाम रौशन कर रहीं हैं, अब दादी को कौन समझाए??
कुछ सालों के बाद" मुन्नी दौड़ते हुए आई, और आते ही अपनी माँ से गले मिली, माँ-बेटी लिपटकर रोने लगी थीं, आँसूं छलकने लगे थे, जी हाँ! खुशी के आँसूं और क्यों ना छलकेंगे, मुन्नी 12वी की परीक्षा में अव्वल नंबरों से पास जो हो गई थी। "यह सब संभव हो सका एक माँ की सही सीख एवं संस्कारों के कारण" ।
"एक माँ ही समझ सकती है, बच्चों के कोमल मन को और वही देती है सही सीख और संस्कार, जो हमें जीवन में आगे बढ़ने के लिए सदैव ही प्रेरित करते हैं और हम दुनिया में कामयाब होते हैं "।
"माँ के संस्कारों का करो सदा ही सम्मान
उन्हीं संस्कारों से बनें हम काबिल इंसान"!
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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5 Things You Won't Believe Ruin your Health!
Everywhere you look, you'll find a whole lot of information about unhealthy habits and foods that pose a threat to your health. But what about those seemingly harmless habits that are dangerous? It totally pays to know the unhealthy things you do every day!
Being a fitness buff is definitely a great thing. It means you care enough about yourself to work out and eat healthy. But is it enough? Well, the sad news is that there are still things you do every day that can damage your health if you don't stop at once!
5 Daily Activities That Can Put Your Health on Risk
1. Feasting on Microwavable Popcorn
If you’re particular about what you eat, popcorn could be your best friend. Yes, it is a low calorie food but did you know that the microwaveable ones aren’t good for you? The packet in which microwavable popcorn is packed is lined with non-stick coating that releases perfluorooctanoic acid when the bag decomposes. This acid has actually been linked to some cancers! Instead of microwaving popcorn next time, try boiled corn kernels.
2. Snoozing for too Long
Doctors and health experts have time and again stressed on the need for enough sleep for good health. In case you’ve taken this as a green signal to sleep for as long as you want, think again. Anything more than six-eight hours of sleep and you’re putting your poor heart at risk. Of course, for moms who find sleeping a luxury, please take a nap whenever you can!
3. Drinking Out of The Gym Bottle
What do you think happens when you pull open the gym bottle cap for a drink of water? You transmit germs from your sweat to the bottle which are then transferred into your body. The whole point of improving health is lost when you do this. Instead, invest in wide-mouth bottles with screw-on caps to take along to your workout.
4. Remaining Indoors
Agreed, stepping out during the hot summer or pouring rain is the last thing you have on your mind. But staying indoors for prolonged periods is also an unhealthy way to risk your health. You breathe in stale air and don’t get enough sun. Your senses feel dull as does your mind. Instead, step out of home for some fresh air in the morning and after dinner with your husband. Take your little ones along too and turn it into a family ritual.
5. Sitting for Prolonged Periods
The demands of work require you to spend long hours at your desk. But you’re definitely not chained to it! Sitting for too long is another unhealthy thing you do every day. In fact, it’s a major reason for heart disease and diabetes. Once in a while, take a break and walk down to the water filter for a glass of water, or just stand up and move around.
Along with these bad habits, you should also avoid wearing clothes that are too tight and shoes with very high heels. After all, following the latest fashion trends is fine but not at the cost of your health. The next time you find yourself doing one of these unhealthy things, consider your health and try to bring about a change. Read more
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. New born baby is not poop more than 1 week? How to recover that
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. Stool pattern of small children changes from time to time.
It can be more than 7 times per day also and sometimes the child will not pass stool for 10 days also.
The most important thing is the consistency of the stool and if it is Semi solid to solid or semi liquid then there is no need to worry about the frequency axs well as colour as well as the smell of the stool
Also straining and crying while passing urine and stool is very normal.
the crying of the child is due to colic pain and not due to constipationx
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. hi, I'm 4th month pregnant. my last period date was jan 7th. I was asked to take iron and calcium supplements. after started with those supplements, my body's temperature started increasing. how do I get rid of this. can I stop taking these supplements?
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
51 mins ago
A. there is no relation taking calcium and iron and body temperature. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
53 mins ago
Q. 11Weeks on going and the problem is continuously vomiting, body&headache pain.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
51 mins ago
A. please check the temperature can be a viral infection. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
40 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert
why are my vomitings not stopping even in 5th month of my pregnancy. and constant headaches.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
24 mins ago
A. this is seen in some people which my continue in second trimester also. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
35 mins ago
Q. is it normal to have 2 dominant follicles in Right ovary? Today is my D8 and the size of both the follicles are 20x18mm and 19x18 mm Is it normal.
and left ovary follicles 12x18mm.and ET size 7.89
pls advice
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
24 mins ago
A. if it is induced one then there can be chances. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
POOJA KOTHARI has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 mins ago
Q. what should I eat for a healthy baby in my 3rd month of pregnancy.kindly suggest a healthy diet routine
POOJA KOTHARI
Mom of a 7 yr 1 m old boy
2 mins ago
A. Whole grains — like brown rice, millet, oatmeal, bulgur, and whole-wheat bread. Proteins — like lean meats and chicken, eggs, seafood, beans and lentils, nuts and seeds, and tofu. Low-fat or fat-free dairy — like milk, yogurt, cheese, lactose-free dairy, and fortified soy beverages (soy milk) or soy yogurt.
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