World Birth Defects Day 2024
Awareness Of World Birth Defects Day 2024
Are you wondering what's special about March 3, yes? Welcome to today's blog; we will talk about world birth defects day on March 3. Millions of infants worldwide are born each year with a significant congenital disability. Birth malformations are one of the main causes of infant and young child mortality in many nations. Infants who survive and continue to experience these conditions are more likely to have long-term impairments and other health issues. Approximately 90,000 of the 3,03,000 newborns who die each year worldwide because of congenital disabilities are found in South-East Asia. The theme of world birth defects day 2024 is “Every Journey Matters" spreading awareness worldwide about birth defects impact.
History And Goals Of Birth Defects
Birth defects are structural abnormalities evident at birth and can affect almost any body part, like the heart, brain, foot, or sections. These could impact the body's functionality, appearance, or both, from mild to severe congenital disabilities are possible.
World birth defects day was first marked on March 3, 2015, with the support of 12 organizations. Every year, numerous international and domestic groups collaborate to get ready to create awareness on how to decrease taboos, increase options for prevention and treatment, and promote public understanding of the effects of birth abnormalities on the worldwide population.
Goals of World Birth Defects Day
- To enhance current congenital disability government programs by increasing the number of programs worldwide that monitor birth defects.
- Increase treatment options for congenital disabled patients
- The causes of birth abnormalities should be investigated and quickly translated into preventative measures.
Types of birth defects
It has two types: They are structural and functional. Yet, some birth abnormalities can combine the two types. Birth defects that affect the body's structure, like missing or deformed bodily components, come under structural defects, such as congenital heart defects, neural tube defects (spina bifida), gastroschisis, and congenital dislocated hip. In functional birth defects, the developmental type affects how the body develops, including its many organs and parts.
Causes And Risk Factors Of Birth Defects
Most birth malformations have an unknown specific cause, although some causes include,
- Infections during pregnancy include rubella, chicken pox, STD, and listeriosis.
- Drug usage during pregnancy
- Inherited or genetic factors
- In genetic and chromosomal, single defective genes, chromosomal abnormalities, and multifactorial causes of birth defects.
- Chemical exposure
- Conditions before pregnancy include blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and seizure disorders.
Diagnosing Birth Defects
Before, during, and after birth, healthcare professionals can identify birth defects. Most are found in the first year of your child's life. Screening tests during pregnancy include ultrasounds or blood tests; diagnostic tests are often recommended during pregnancy if abnormalities are found.
During the first trimester and second trimesters, check for chromosomal disease and the anatomy of the developing fetus. If a screening test results abnormally, more testing might be advised. Watch your child's health and tell your doctor if any symptoms develop. Further tests are required.
Prevention And Treatment For Birth Defects
7.9 million infants worldwide, (i.e.) about 3% - 6% of births worldwide, are born yearly with birth abnormalities. January is celebrated as the month of national birth defects prevention month. Most birth abnormalities are unavoidable, but you can take measures to encourage a healthy pregnancy.
The preventive measure includes,
- Regular prenatal visits. Consume a prenatal vitamin with 400 mcg of folic acid and essential health supplements if you're trying to conceive or sexually active without using contraception.
- Managing chronic conditions.
- Consulting a doctor about all natural supplements and prescription medicines to be avoided during pregnancy to reduce the risk.
- Verifying immunization status to guarantee appropriate protection against avoidable infectious illnesses.
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
- Keeping out of contact with harsh household chemicals
- Avoid marijuana and illegal substances.
Birth abnormalities cannot be cured, though they can be treated with several treatments like surgeries and assistive technology available for birth defects are involved in the treatment protocols.
What Is Our Responsibility?
The consequences of birth defects are hard and emotional. Parents and medical professionals may find it frustrating because most birth abnormalities have no recognized cause. Medical research should be able to avoid or detect all potential birth abnormalities in advance. Yes, all can happen in the name of awareness. You may add your voice to the cause by creating awareness by arranging campaigns and through social media. Encourage other organizations to join the world congenital disability day movement.
"Save the Children is often told that its aims are impossible - that there has always been child suffering and there always will be. We know. It's impossible only if we make it so. It's impossible only if we refuse to attempt it."
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can all birth abnormalities be identified before birth?
No, not every birth defect can be identified before delivery. Certain birth defects can be detected by prenatal screening procedures (such as amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, or ultrasound), but others might not be discovered until after delivery or later in childhood.
2. Is it possible to treat birth defects?
The type and severity of a birth abnormality determine the available treatment choices. To enhance outcomes and quality of life, certain birth abnormalities may need to be corrected surgically, managed medically, treated with therapies (such physical or speech therapy), or receive supportive care.
3. Is it possible to check for birth problems while a woman is being pregnant
Indeed, certain birth abnormalities or genetic diseases can be detected during pregnancy with the use of prenatal screening techniques like ultrasound, maternal serum screening, cell-free DNA testing, and diagnostic procedures like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling.
4. Are birth defects always genetic?
No, birth defects can result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. While some birth defects are caused by genetic mutations or chromosomal abnormalities inherited from parents, others may occur due to exposure to certain medications, infections, toxins, or harmful substances during pregnancy. Additionally, advanced maternal age, maternal health conditions, inadequate prenatal care, and maternal lifestyle choices can also increase the risk of birth defects.
5. Can vitamins used during pregnancy help avoid birth defects?
It is advised that all expectant mothers take folic acid-containing prenatal vitamins in order to lower their chance of certain birth problems, including neural tube defects. Prenatal vitamins can benefit both the mother and the fetus, although they might not be able to stop all birth abnormalities. It's critical to keep a healthy diet, refrain from risky medications, and adhere to doctor's advice on prenatal care.
Take Care Notes
"Save the child, and you save the nation."
Valuing health before it is too late. World Birth Defects Day is on March 3. Join us in our mission to increase global awareness of birth abnormalities, their causes, and their effects! The theme of world birth defect day 2024 is “Every Journey Matters" spreading awareness worldwide about birth defects' impact. Protect the babies from birth defects, encourage pregnant women to participate in a screening, and ask them for regular healthcare visits. We are at the end of today's blog, Isn't we gathered extra information on world birth defect day? Yes! Let's take a vow that we will protect babies from congenital disabilities and provide them with enriched life.
