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 How can I help prevent a birth defect in my baby if I am pregnant?
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A woman can take some important steps before and during pregnancy to help prevent birth defects. She can take folic acid; have regular medical checkups; make sure medical conditions, such as diabetes, are under control; have tests for infectious... Full Answer
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- Q What can cause a birth defect?
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The cause of most birth defects is unknown. Use of cigarettes, alcohol, and other drugs, taking of some medicines; and exposure to chemicals and infectious diseases during pregnancy have been linked to birth defects. Researchers are studying the... Full Answer
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- Q Are all birth defects diagnosed when a baby is born?
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Many birth defects are not found immediately at birth. A birth defect can affect how the body looks, how it works, or both. Some birth defects like cleft lip or spina bifida are easy to see. Others, like heart defects, are not. The presence of the... Full Answer
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- Q What should I do if a child has fetal alcohol spectrum disorder?
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If you think your child might have a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), talk to your child’s doctor and share your concerns. Don’t wait! If you or the doctor thinks there could be a problem, ask the doctor for a referral to a... Full Answer
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- Q Are there any treatments for fetal alcohol disorders?
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Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) last a lifetime. There is no cure for FASDs, but research shows that early intervention treatment services can improve a child’s development. There are many types of treatment options,... Full Answer
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- Q How is fetal alcohol syndrome diagnosed?
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Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is diagnosed based on the presence of a combination of signs in the infant. There is no medical or blood test to diagnose FAS. The diagnosis of FAS is based on the presence of a combination of the following findings:... Full Answer
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- Q What are the types of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders?
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Different terms are used to describe fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), depending on the type of symptoms. Fetal death is the most extreme outcome from drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS): FAS represents the... Full Answer
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- Q What are fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD)?
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This term used to describe the full range of harmful effects that can occur when a fetus is exposed to alcohol. This answer is based on source information from the National Women's Health Information Center. Full Answer
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- Q Are fetal alcohol disorders hereditary?
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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) are not genetic or hereditary. If a woman drinks alcohol during her pregnancy, her baby can be born with an FASD. But if a woman has an FASD, her own child cannot have an FASD, unless she drinks alcohol... Full Answer
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- Q Is it safe to drink wine coolers and beer while I am pregnant?
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All drinks containing alcohol can hurt an unborn baby, even beer and wine coolers. A standard drink is defined as .60 ounces of pure alcohol. This is equivalent to one 12-ounce beer or wine cooler, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80... Full Answer
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