The Complexities and Realities of Pregnancy and Childbirth

The reality is that pregnancy and childbirth are not always as straightforward as one would hope. One small error, such as a gene mutation, an extra chromosome, or an abnormally forming structure, can cause your and your child’s life to be complicated and financially draining. Finding out about a birth defect can be devastating, but knowledge is power, so Winnie Kimani compiled a few of them. Hypospadias Infants with a family history of hypospadias are more likely to develop this condition. One in every 200 births in infants is affected by it. Surgery is frequently needed because this makes urination difficult.

Imperforate anus Imperforate anus is a congenital (present at birth) birth defect in which the anus opening is absent or blocked. The issue is caused by abnormal fetal development and may be linked to other birth defects. Imperforate anus is a common condition that affects approximately 1 in 5,000 infants. Surgical reconstruction of the anus is frequently required. If the rectum is connected to other organs, abdominal surgery will also be required to repair these organs. Frequently, a temporary colostomy is required. When performing a colostomy, the large intestine is cut and brought to an opening made through the abdominal wall.

Cleft palate or cleft lip This birth defect is a type of orofacial cleft that occurs when the lip and roof of the mouth do not join completely (cleft lip) ( cleft palate). It is a common birth defect that can occur alone or as part of a genetic disorder or syndrome. During the first 12 to 18 months of your child’s life, surgery is required to restore normal function with minimal scarring. If necessary, speech therapy assists in correcting speech difficulties.

Limb flaws Any abnormality in the arms or legs is referred to as a defect. It occurs when the arm or leg does not form normally during fetal development. The precise cause of a congenital limb defect is frequently unknown, but certain factors, such as gene defects or exposure to certain viruses or chemicals, have been implicated. One in every 1,943 births is affected by it. Physical therapy, bracing, surgery, and prosthetics are all options for treating limb deformities.

Ventricular septal defect A ventricular septal defect is a common heart defect that is typically present at birth, but it can also occur in adults following surgery or a heart attack. It is known as the heart hole. One out of every 240 births is affected by it. The defect occurs when the wall between the left and right ventricles fails to form properly, leaving an opening between the two. Some ventricular septal defects close or become smaller on their own, whereas larger holes require surgery or a catheter-based procedure to close the hole.

Antrioventricular septal defect This common heart defect is caused by a hole in the heart and a problem with the heart valves. A partial defect consists of a hole between the atria (upper chamber) and an abnormal mitral value. A complete defect is characterized by a large hole where the atria and ventricles meet an abnormal valve between the atria and ventricles as opposed to separate valves. Adult-onset atrial septal defects can damage the heart and lungs, thereby shortening a person’s lifespan. Small Atrial septal defects may spontaneously close. Atrial septal defects of medium to large size may require surgical intervention.

Pulmonary valve stenosis and atresia There are congenital heart defects in which the valve that allows blood to flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery is either absent or obstructed. As a result, blood flow to the lungs is compromised. This condition can be treated with medication, cardiac catheterization, or heart surgery.

Clubfoot It is a foot abnormality in which the foot turns inward or is twisted out of shape or position. It is the most common birth defect affecting the musculoskeletal system. In utero, tendons connecting muscle to bone are shorter, causing the foot to turn inward rather than face flat. In most cases, clubfoot can be treated conservatively with mild stretching and physical therapy. In some instances, the tendons, ligaments, and joints of the foot and ankle must be adjusted surgically to correct clubfoot.

Spina bifida Spina bifida has no single known cause. The condition is believed to be caused by a neural tube malformation (the embryonic structure that develops into the brain and spine) that prevents the backbone from closing completely during fetal development. Some cases of neural-tube defects can be detected through prenatal tests administered to the pregnant woman. When one is suspected, a caesarean section is typically performed so that specialists can be present during and after the birth. Spina bifida ranges in severity from virtually harmless to causing leg paralysis and bladder and bowel control problems. In the most severe cases, the infant undergoes surgery within 48 hours of birth. Parents are then instructed on how to exercise their child’s legs and feet in preparation for walking with leg braces and crutches. Some children will eventually require the use of a wheelchair and the assistance of orthopedics and urology specialists.

Microtia It occurs when the external ear is small and improperly formed. It typically occurs during the initial weeks of pregnancy. This defect can range from barely noticeable to a major problem with how the ear formed. It can be treated with a silicone prosthesis, rib cartilage augmentation, ear implants, or surgery.