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Q.
What causes birth defects?
We do not know what causes most birth
defects. Sometimes they just happen and are not caused by anything that
the parents did or didn't do. Many parents feel guilty if they have a
child with a birth defect even if they did everything they could to have
a healthy child. If you have a child with a birth defect,
it might be helpful to talk with other parents who have had a child with
the same condition (See
How can I get in touch with parents of a child
with the same birth defect as my child?)
Sometimes the causes of birth defects are figured out after the baby
is born. Whenever possible, it is important to know what you can do for
a better chance of having a healthy child in the future. Some
actions might increase the chances of having a baby with a birth
defect. The questions and answers that follow talk about some of these
known risks.
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Q. Does alcohol cause birth
defects?
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fas/fasask.htm
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Q. Does smoking cause
birth defects?
A woman who smokes while she is pregnant has a greater
chance of having a premature (early) birth, a small baby, or a stillborn
baby. If the mother smokes while pregnant, there is also an increased
risk of the baby dying during the first year of life. Some types of
birth defects have been linked to the mother’s smoking. Birth defects
that may be increased when the mother smokes include: cleft lip, cleft
palate, clubfoot, limb defects, some types of heart defects,
gastroschisis (an opening in the muscles of the abdomen that allows the
intestines to appear outside the body), and imperforate anus (there is
no opening from the intestines to the outside of the body to allow stool
or gas to be passed). Talk with your health care provider about ways to
help you quit smoking if you are pregnant or can get pregnant.
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Q. Do illegal drugs
cause birth defects?
Women who use illegal drugs, or “street drugs,” can have
babies who are small, premature, or have other health problems, such as
birth defects.
Women who use cocaine while pregnant are more likely to
have babies with birth defects of the limbs, gut, kidneys, urinary
system, and heart. Other drugs, such as marijuana and ecstasy, may also
cause birth defects in babies.
Women should not use street drugs while they are
pregnant. It is also important that women not use street drugs after
they give birth because drugs can be passed through breast milk and can
affect a baby’s growth and development. Talk with your health care
provider about ways to help you quit using street drugs before
you get pregnant.
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Q.
Does exposure to the MMR vaccine cause birth defects? Other
vaccines?
The MMR is a vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella.
If a woman gets one of these viruses while pregnant, it may cause her to
have a miscarriage or to have a baby with birth defects. The MMR, like
some other vaccines, is made with viruses that are alive but very weak.
Because these viruses are alive, there is a very slight chance that they
may cause harm to the baby. For this reason, a woman who may be
pregnant should not get an MMR or other vaccine unless she is at high
risk of getting a serious illness without it. She should talk about the
risks and benefits of getting the vaccine with her doctor. A woman who
has just gotten the vaccine and then learns she is pregnant should also
talk with her doctor. Vaccines such as those for tetanus and hepatitis
are made from dead viruses or parts of dead viruses and do not cause
infection in the mother and should not harm the fetus.
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Q.
When in pregnancy do birth defects happen?
Birth defects happen before a baby is born. Inherited
or genetic factors; things in the environment, such as smoking or
drinking alcohol or not getting enough folic acid; and a woman’s illness
during pregnancy can cause birth defects. Most birth defects happen in
the first 3 months of pregnancy, when the organs of the baby are
forming. This is the most important stage of development. However,
some birth defects happen later in pregnancy. During the last six
months of pregnancy, the tissues and organs continue to grow and
develop.
Some birth defects can be found before birth. If you
want to know more about your risk of having a baby with a birth defect,
contact a genetic counselor. See
Where can I find a clinical geneticist
or genetic counselor?
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Q. What can I do to keep germs
from harming my baby and me?
Infections: You won’t always know if you have an
infection—sometimes you won’t even feel sick. Learn how to help
prevent infections that could harm your unborn baby.
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Q.
What kind of health care provider can help find out what caused
my baby’s birth defect?
Birth defects are common in our country. Some birth
defects are found before birth, some at the time of birth, and some are
found during the first year of life. A few don't show up until the
child is older. It is common for parents to want to know what caused
their baby’s birth defect. However, the causes for about 70% birth
defects are unknown.
A primary care provider (PCP)
usually looks at a child who may have a birth defect. The PCP is most
often the child’s pediatrician or the family’s general physician. PCPs
look for important clues in the child’s first exam for a birth defect.
The first exam includes a lot of questions about history, a physical
exam, and sometimes testing. The PCP is trying to find a “diagnosis”
(name or cause) for the child’s type of birth defect. If a diagnosis
cannot be made after the first exam, the PCP may refer the child to a
specialist in birth defects and genetics. A clinical geneticist is a
doctor with special training to evaluate patients who may have genetic
conditions or birth defects. Even if a child sees a specialist, an
exact diagnosis may not be reached.
Counseling the family of an infant with a birth defect
is a large part of the PCP’s job. PCPs may refer parents to a genetic
counselor to help parents learn more about their infant’s condition. A
genetic counselor explains the diagnosis, the possible role of genes,
and medical aspects of the birth defect. A genetic counselor can talk
with parents about their risk of having future children with a birth
defect. He or she also talks with parents about how to lessen their
chances of having another baby with birth defects. Counseling can help a
family adjust to and plan for their newborn.
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Q. Who coordinates the health care of my
child who has a birth defect?
The PCP usually provides the basic care of a child with
a birth defect. The PCP should know about sources of help for the child
and the family. Help may include support groups, public health
services, and current medical literature. The PCP also coordinates the
child’s care. For example, children with birth defects involving their
bones may need to see an orthopedist, a doctor trained in problems with
the bones. A child with a birth defect involving the brain may need to
see a neurologist, who is trained to deal with problems in the brain and
nervous system. The PCP may also send the child for special services
that will help the child function better. For example, a child with a
cleft palate may be sent to a speech therapist, someone with special
training who works with people to improve their ability to talk.
Another common referral is for physical therapy to improve the child’s
strength and movement.
Many children with birth
defects have more than one problem and may need one or more
specialists. The PCP coordinates the care of a child with a birth
defect so that he gets all the special care he needs.
In summary, birth defects are common, but the causes for many birth
defects are not known at this time. The PCP is generally the best
person to coordinate the special care needed for a child with a birth
defect.
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Q. What does a
genetic counselor do?
A genetic counselor talks with you about birth defects
and genetic conditions. Genetic counselors are part of the health care
team and have special training to help families learn about birth
defects and conditions passed down through a family. They can guide
families to other resources for help. They also help families deal with
feelings about how these conditions affect their family. People talk
about both medical and personal questions during genetic counseling.
Genetic counselors ask questions about family history and pregnancy
history. They talk with families about tests used to find a condition
and, if known, about how to prevent a condition.
There are many reasons to see a genetic counselor. Some
people go because of a family history of a genetic condition. Others
see a genetic counselor because they have trouble getting pregnant or
because they have had several miscarriages or infant deaths. Some women
may see a genetic counselor after learning the results of a blood test
or because of their age. Still others seek genetic counseling to learn
about the effects of being exposed to things like x-rays, chemicals,
illness, or drugs while pregnant.
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Q. Where can I find a clinical
geneticist or genetic counselor?
Your best source is your health care provider. He or
she will know about the resources in your area. Also, you can call the
nearest university medical school or large medical center. To reach
them, call the main telephone number and ask for “genetics.” A Web site
that may be helpful is
http://www.nsgc.org/. * If
you cannot find someone in your area, please contact us
(tera@cdc.gov) with your
location, and we will help you.
Note: *This site is not a CDC site and will be opened in
a new browser window. Use your browser "back" button to return to this
site. CDC is not responsible for the content of Web pages found at this
link. Links to nonfederal organizations are provided solely as a service
to our users. These links do not indicate an endorsement of these
organizations by CDC or the federal government.
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Q.
Where can I get information about my baby's birth defect or
genetic condition?
If your child has a birth defect, you should ask his or
her doctor about local resources and treatment. Geneticists and genetic
counselors are another resource. If you need to know where to find
these specialists, see Where can I find
a clinical geneticist or genetic counselor?
CDC can give you general information about
neural tube
defects. For other birth defects, you may contact one of the
national groups listed below. These groups have fact sheets or
brochures or can direct you to support groups, where you can meet and
talk with other parents of children with the same type of birth defect.
Many support groups also have brochures and books to help you learn more
about birth defects.
Fact Sheets about specific birth defects or
genetic conditions
Web sites with links to support groups
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Q.
How can I get in touch with parents of a child with the same
birth defect as my child?
It is helpful for many parents to have contact with
other parents of a child with the same type of birth defect that your
child has. Parents of a child with the same birth defect may have
learned how to deal with some concerns and questions you have. Often,
they can give you hints about good resources for your child’s special
needs. They can share what worked best with their child. Talking with
them may provide emotional support and ways to help you deal better with
issues about your child. These resources may be helpful for you:
[Return to List of Questions]
Q.
What should I do to have a healthy pregnancy?
-
Plan your pregnancy
- See your health care provider before getting pregnant
- Get any medical condition (obesity, diabetes, seizures, etc.)
under control before getting pregnant
- Take a vitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid daily before
and during pregnancy
- Take care of yourself
- Get plenty of rest
- Exercise moderately
- Eat a well-balanced diet
- Avoid contact with chemicals and other things in the home and
workplace that may harm an unborn baby
- Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and street drugs
- Talk with your health care provider before taking any
over-the-counter drugs
If you are planning to get pregnant or you are already
pregnant, one of the most important things you can do is see your health
care provider. Prenatal (before birth) care can help find some problems
early in pregnancy so that they can be monitored or treated before
birth. Some problems might be avoided with prenatal care.
Not all birth defects can be prevented, but a woman can
take some actions that increase her chance of having a healthy baby.
Many birth defects happen very early in pregnancy, sometimes before a
woman even knows that she is pregnant. Remember that about half of all
pregnancies in the United States are not planned. To see a list of
pregnancy tips on “Having a Healthy Pregnancy,” go to
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/bd/abc.htm. To see the brochure
“What You Can Do To Keep Germs from Harming You and Your Baby,”
click here.
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Q.
What is CDC doing to prevent and help find the causes for birth
defects?
CDC does research to try to find the causes of birth
defects. Some people at CDC work in a lab doing basic science research
to find answers. For example, we may study how chemicals in the air or
water or land might harm a developing baby. Others at CDC are
“epidemiologists” who look at all types of birth defects. They try to
figure out what babies with certain birth defects have in common. They
might study people’s genes, their use of certain drugs, or their
behaviors. Sometimes parents might be doing something that could harm a
future baby. CDC studies how behaviors, like drinking alcohol or taking
certain drugs, can harm a baby. We then try to explain to people what
they can do, or not do, to try to have a healthy baby. CDC also works
closely with doctors and other health care workers, schools,
communities, and the media to help prevent birth defects.
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Date:
September 14, 2007
Content source: National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental
Disabilities
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