Environmental Birth Defects: What You Need To Know

Environmental birth defects are a severe concern for many parents. Environmental issues can cause complications during pregnancy and may result in fetal death. Environmental factors linked to congenital disabilities include exposure to toxic substances, maternal obesity, radiation from X-rays or microwave ovens, high maternal age (over 30), and certain types of medication use. There is no way to be 100% sure you won’t experience a defect in your child until after they’re born, but there are ways you can lower your chances! This article will discuss these Environmental birth defects, how they happen, and what you can do about them.

1) What is an environmental birth defect?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines this defect as a “congenital condition that is due to one or more exposures during the prenatal period and has been linked to environmental factors.” Defects can be caused by multiple outside influences, including substances in foods, medications, natural toxins found in nature, pollution from factories/manufacturers’ facilities, and others.

2) What are some examples of these types of effects?

Depending on which area you live in, there may also be geographical concerns with specific environmental hazards. For example, suppose someone lives near a factory that emits chemicals into the air. In that case, it could affect their child’s development before they’re even born! This means their baby might have a greater chance of developing different defects if they are exposed to these chemicals. This is why people need to know the Environmental hazards of living, working, and to play.

3) Some types of Defects that you may want to look into further

Cleft lip/palate – Neural tube defect (examples being spina bifida or anencephaly) – Congenital heart disease – Chromosomal abnormalities

4) What can I do?

Be sure to discuss birth defects with your doctor during your pregnancy so they can monitor how much exposure you have had throughout your pregnancy and any medications/vaccines you may be taking, which could lead to adverse effects on the baby! Make sure you are getting regular exercise, eating healthy, and staying away from Environmental hazards around you. If possible, try to relocate or change jobs/homes if there are defect risks in the area of where you currently work/live!

5) What Not To Do?

Be sure not to ingest any medications that have been prescribed for someone else- this can lead to Defects later on in life! Avoid smoking cigarettes during pregnancy as it is a risk factor leading up to cleft lip/palate issues with your child.

6) How Can I Find Out More Information About this?

There are many resources available online regarding defects; some include: -Centers For Disease Control (CDC) website -the March Of Dimes website -the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website.

7) How Can I Prevent Environmental Birth Defects?

There are many things that you can do during your pregnancy to help prevent defects! Make sure you limit the number of chemicals in your home, try cooking more “from scratch,” and use organic fruits/veggies when possible. Be careful about how much fish oil supplements or vitamins with heavy metals you take- taking too much is not suitable for the baby either!
We hope this information has been helpful to you.