Birth Defects
Many things can go wrong during pregnancy and delivery that result in birth defects in the baby. Most defects develop within the first three months of pregnancy. They can vary from mild to severe, and some, such as cleft lip, a condition that happens when the baby's upper lip and roof of the mouth don't join, can be surgically treated.
What causes most birth defects is not known.
There are steps that you can take to lower your risk of having a baby with birth defects. Pregnant women should never drink and should see a doctor as early as possible after becoming pregnant.
Recently Answered
- Q What causes pyloric stenosis?
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Pyloric stenosis occurs when the pylorus, which is a muscle sitting at the connecting point between the stomach and the small intestine, grows abnormally large. The opening may be so blocked that very little, if any, food passes through to enter the... Full Answer
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- Q What are the symptoms of pyloric stenosis?
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The primary symptom is that your child will experience frequent hunger and forceful vomiting shortly after eating. Symptoms of pyloric stenosis may include loose green bowel movements and stomach contractions. These symptoms may develop slowly before... Full Answer
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- Q How is pyloric stenosis treated?
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Surgery to cut and spread apart the pyloric muscles is the only treatment to repair pyloric stenosis. Intravenous fluids will be given before and after surgery to restore your child's fluids and electrolyte balance. Medications are not necessary unless... Full Answer
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- Q What are the symptoms of biliary atresia?
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Symptoms of biliary atresia begin in newborns, up to a few weeks after birth, with jaundice. Jaundice causes the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow due to a malfunction of the liver. Skin yellowing can be perfectly normal in the first couple... Full Answer
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- Q How is biliary atresia diagnosed?
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The first step in diagnosing biliary atresia is a physical exam that includes a pressing on the baby's abdomen to check for indications of an enlarged liver or spleen. Then a doctor may perform several tests. Blood tests can test for levels of bilirubin... Full Answer
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- Q What causes biliary atresia?
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Biliary atresia has no known specific cause, but doctors do know that it is not an inherited disease. There is a list of triggers that are suspected of leading to the disease, which can occur while the child is still in the womb or up to a few weeks... Full Answer
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- Q What is pyloric stenosis?
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Pyloric stenosis is a condition in which a baby's pylorus (the connection between the stomach and the first part of the small intestine) gradually swells and thickens, which interferes with food entering the intestine. This causes the baby to vomit... Full Answer
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- Q What is cleft palate?
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Dr. Stuart Linder, Plastic & Reconstructive SurgeryA cleft palate is associated with inadequate closure of the floor of the mouth (palate). This cleft or opening may continue through the nasal cavity. It may be combined with a cleft lip extending to the front of the mouth. These clefts are the most... Full Answer
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- Q Can a birth defect be diagnosed before birth?
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Tests like an ultrasound and amniocentesis can detect birth defects such as spina bifida, heart defects, or Down syndrome before a baby is born. Prenatal care and screening are important because early diagnosis allows families to make decisions... Full Answer
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- Q Can birth defects be prevented?
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Some birth defects can be prevented, but some cannot. If you are trying to get pregnant, start your prenatal vitamin with folic acid now. If you are already pregnant, get early prenatal care, continue your prenatal vitamin and stay away from alcohol and... Full Answer
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