What if you’ve done everything you could do to have a healthy baby. You’ve stayed away from cigarette smoke. You didn’t drink alcohol or use damaging drugs. You had good prenatal care. You ate nutritious food. You took prenatal vitamins, especially folic acid. Plus, you did all the others things that you should do during pregnancy.
But you are still worried and ask yourself, “What if my baby has a birth defect? What if my baby isn’t ‘normal’?”
It is very common to worry about your baby. According to a reliable source, about 3-5 percent of babies born in the United States are born with birth defects. If you have done everything you should have done and avoided what you should have avoided during your pregnancy, your baby’s risks are even lower. Many birth defects are avoidable, but some just aren’t. Regardless of all of your precautions, birth defects still sometimes happen. About 60% percent of birth defects have unknown causes. If this happens, you should not feel guilty. Some birth defects are completely unavoidable. Many of the birth defects are treatable after birth – and sometimes even before the baby is born.
Babies with birth defects are still precious gifts from God. Most parents love and treasure their baby irregardless of problems. Most babies with defects at birth grow up to be happy and productive citizens. After all – we all have our defects to deal with.
Following is a brief outline of the four most common birth defects.
Heart Defects
Heart defects are problems that occur when any of the parts of the heart fail to develop properly. Depending on the severity of the problem there may be no need for any kind of treatment. Surgery may be necessary for some defects. Though some heart defects are quite serious, many are rather minor with no long lasting impact.
Cleft Lip/Palate
Cleft lip/palate occurs when the tissues of the mouth or lip don’t form properly. A cleft is a split or small notch of the lip or palate (roof of the mouth). The cleft or opening is usually closed by surgery during the first year of life. Again, there is great variation in the severity of the problem, but most can be remedied. Most babies born with cleft lip or palate have little or no evidence of the defect after surgery. There are many organizations that could be used for assistance including Operation Smile and Smile Train.
Down Syndrome
Down syndrome is not caused by anything the mother of the baby did or didn’t do. It is caused by an extra chromosome. Children with the syndrome have intellectual disability (difficulty learning) and distinctive facial and other physical features. Often heart defects and other health problems also occur. The severity of the symptoms varies greatly. Symptoms such as heart defects can often be treated with medication and surgery.
Even though some characteristics are common, it is important to remember that each person is an individual with strengths and weaknesses. An assumption about a person’s abilities can not be based on their diagnosis.
All individuals with Down syndrome have some difficulty with learning but they are able to learn. They need support, guidance, and appropriate teaching methods to maximize their potential. There is no cure, but early intervention and treatment of associated health problems have greatly improved the outlook for affected individuals.
Dr. Brian Skotko, a Down syndrome specialist stated in a research paper that the vast majority of families who have a child with Down syndrome affirm that their contributions to society are significant and that their lives are very valuable. A mother who had a baby with Down syndrome said, “I saw his tiny little hands, and he had the most beautiful eyes… He didn’t have Down syndrome stamped on his forehead. He cried and he peed and he pooped. He was a baby.”
So, despite that fact the Down syndrome can not be cured, these babies most often are greatly loved by their families and mature into valuable adults. Most such adults are very happy with their lives. There are many resources for families who have a child with Down syndrome including the county board of developmental disabilities.
Spina Bifida
Spina Bifida (open spine) occurs when normal development is interrupted between the brain and the spinal cord. The spine is not formed correctly and does not have its usual skeletal covering. Symptoms can be mild or severe, but the condition is a lifelong condition. Treatment usually requires surgery. Most will need to use wheelchairs, crutches or braces. Usually, intellectual function is normal.
Getting enough folic acid before and during pregnancy greatly reduces the chance of having a baby born with spina bifida.
Most children born with spina bifida live productive and happy lives. Many go on to higher education and live self sufficiently. Parents need to encourage strong self esteem and independent living skills.
There are many agencies, programs and groups that offer counseling and support for parents of children with birth defects. Your doctor can guide you to the appropriate support.
These babies are still our special babies with many gifts. They may just need a little more help in life. The emphasis needs to be on what they can do and not what they can’t do. So even if you would have a baby with a birth defect you will still have a beautiful baby to love who will love you back and who can bring you great joy.
The Womens Center Sidney, Ohio office is located behind Culver’s Restaurant at 2579 Michigan Avenue near Wal-Mart. Women can make a free initial appointment online by going to www.womenscenterohio.com, going to the Sidney location page and then clicking on the “BookNow” button. To schedule an appointment over the phone or to learn more about the pregnancy services we provide, call 937-498-4425. We can be reached by email at info@womenscenterohio.com. All Women’s Center-Sidney’s services are free and confidential.
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