Prevention of Congenital Disorders in Pregnancy

Introduction

Congenital disorders have a significant effect on the public health worldwide. Genetic disorders can be caused by either genetic or environmental causes. The disorders that occur during pregnancy or at birth affect the health of infants, children, and their families. Advancements in medical science have influenced the understanding of genetic and environmental causes. This helps prevent of congenital disorders during pregnancy.

The prevention of birth defects or congenital disorders, including genetic counseling, genetic testing, carrier screening, prenatal screening, and early diagnosis. In addition, lifestyle factors help optimize fetal development and reduce the risk of congenital anomalies. The article discusses congenital disorders, their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and preventive strategies, which will help minimize birth defect anomalies in pregnancy.

What Are Congenital Disorders?

Congenital disorders are disorders that affect the health of an infant from birth. The infant can be born with congenital disorders from birth. The other names for congenital disorders are congenital anomalies or birth defects. The disorders occur due to the abnormal development of the fetus during pregnancy. It can affect the structure and function of several body parts or systems, leading to developmental anomalies. These birth defects can be mild or severe.

What Are the Causes and Risk Factors of Congenital Disorders During Pregnancy?

The causes and risk factors of congenital disorders during pregnancy are as follows:

Causes:

• Genetic Factors: The condition can be due to chromosomal abnormalities, such as abnormal or missing chromosomes. The medical congenital conditions can be Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, and Klinefelter syndrome. Gene mutation may also cause the condition. In this condition, the parents may transfer a copy of the inherited gene to the offspring. This can occur in genetic disorders like sickle cell anemia or cystic fibrosis. Certain congenital heart defects can occur due to the interaction of multiple genes and environmental factors.

• Environmental Factors: Maternal lifestyle and health elevate the risk of birth defects. Lifestyle factors, such as maternal smoking, alcohol consumption, maternal poor nutrition, and certain medications, can increase the risk of birth defects. Certain infections and illnesses can also lead to birth defects. If the pregnant mother contracts rubella or Zika virus, it can cause congenital heart and neurological defects. If the pregnant mother is exposed to environmental toxins or radiation, it can cause congenital defects.

How Is Congenital Disorders During Pregnancy Diagnosed?

It is the first step in the prevention of congenital disorders during pregnancy. Diagnostic tests and prenatal screening assess the health and development of the fetus. The methods to diagnose the congenital disorders during pregnancy are as follows:

• Prenatal Screening Tests: Prenatal screening can be conducted between 10 to 14 weeks of pregnancy. The screening tests include ultrasound or blood tests to find the risk of Down syndrome. The screening during the second trimester can be done during 15 to 22 weeks of pregnancy. The neural tube defects can be detected by measuring the levels of hormones and proteins. Non-invasive prenatal screening can be done within ten weeks of pregnancy. The fetal DNA can be analyzed in maternal blood to identify chromosomal abnormalities.

• Prenatal Diagnostic Tests: These tests helps identify congenital abnormalities. The first test is amniocentesis, which can be done around 15 to 20 weeks of gestation. The sample of amniotic fluid is taken to find the chromosomal abnormalities. Chorionic villus sampling can be performed between 10 to 13 weeks of pregnancy. The placental tissue sample is taken to identify the chromosomal abnormalities.

• Prenatal Imaging: Prenatal imaging includes ultrasound and fetal echocardiography. It assesses the growth and development of the fetus.

How to Treat Congenital Disorders During Pregnancy?

The management strategies that can be implemented to manage congenital disorders are as follows:

• Prenatal Care and Monitoring: Daily prenatal check-ups can help identify congenital abnormalities and monitor the pregnancy's progress.

• Genetic Counseling: The counseling informs parents about the risk of genetic abnormalities.

• Surgical Interventions: In some cases, the surgeon may perform surgical procedures during pregnancy to correct the congenital abnormalities.

• Medications: Certain medications can be prescribed to manage the condition.

Can Congenital Disorders Be Prevented During Pregnancy?

Congenital disorders can be prevented during pregnancy. Several steps can be taken to reduce the risk of congenital abnormalities in the developing fetus, which are described below:

• Planning and Prenatal Care: Planning pregnancy and taking early prenatal care can help optimize prenatal care before pregnancy.
• Genetic Counseling: An individual with a family history of genetic disorders can consult the healthcare provider to understand the risks.

Choose a Healthy Lifestyle:

• Keep Diabetes Under Control: Pregnant women with poor diabetes control lead to an increased risk of birth defects. The healthcare provided to pregnant women can help in preventing congenital abnormalities.
• Maintenance of Healthy Weight: Women with high body mass index are at higher risk of complications during pregnancy. The overweight women planning for pregnancy and those not planning to get pregnant can visit the healthcare provider to maintain a healthy weight.
• Folic Acid Supplementation: It is a vitamin B supplementation. The women having enough folic acid before and during pregnancy can help prevent the risk of congenital diseases. Pregnant women should eat fortified foods to take enough folic acid. Folic acid deficiency can lead to several spine and brain defects, such as spina bifida.
• Avoiding Environmental Hazards: Pregnant women should limit their exposure to toxins, radiation, and pollutants. It will help prevent birth defects.
• Regular Medical Screening:Regular prenatal screening can detect birth defects early and prevent further complications.
• Avoid Harmful Substances: Pregnant women should avoid alcohol consumption and smoking because the harmful substances can pass to the fetus through the bloodstream to the umbilical cord.
• Avoid Alcohol Consumption: All types of alcohol are dangerous for pregnant women and women who are even planning to conceive. Alcohol consumption can cause miscarriage and stillbirth. Alcohol consumption can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
• Avoid Smoking: Smoking during pregnancy can lead to certain congenital disorders, such as cleft lip and palate. The women can try quitting smoking before conceiving. They can even quit smoking during pregnancy to prevent health problems for the baby.
• Avoid Marijuana: If the pregnant woman takes marijuana, it can have several health effects on the baby. Women habituated to or taking marijuana can consult a healthcare provider for an alternative therapy during pregnancy.
• Prevent Infections: Some infections, such as mosquito bites, Zika virus, and sexually transmitted infections, can be prevented by taking preventive measures and maintaining personal hygiene.

Conclusion

In conclusion, congenital disorders or birth defects can be prevented during pregnancy. Pregnant women should adopt preventive measures to reduce the risk of damage to the health of the developing fetus. They should avoid alcohol consumption, quit smoking, eat a balanced diet, avoid marijuana, have regular prenatal screenings, avoid harmful substances exposure, genetic counseling, and adopt a healthy lifestyle. Women should consult a healthcare provider before pregnancy to reduce the risk of congenital diseases.