Birth defects are the leading cause of infant illness. They can pose serious health risks in newborns. However, with timely detection through prenatal screening and corrective surgery, many children will be able to stay healthy. Prompt treatment can improve their quality of life.
Here, the expert highlights birth defects in newborns and the types of surgeries to correct them.
Birth defects are structural or functional abnormalities seen in many babies during pregnancy. These can affect any part of the body and can range from minor issues to life-threatening conditions.
Can Birth Defects Be Prevented?
While not all birth defects can be prevented, certain things can be done to reduce the risk, like folic acid supplements, avoiding alcohol or tobacco, managing chronic illness like diabetes, and taking vaccines against infections like rubella. Preconception and prenatal counselling is very important.
Conditions like cleft lip, heart defects, and neural tube disorders may sound intimidating, but today’s advances in paediatric surgery offer hope. Let’s explore some of the most common congenital issues and how they are treated.
1. Cleft Lip and Palate: This is an opening in the upper lip and/or roof of the mouth. It can cause feeding problems, speech difficulties, and ear infections. Timely management is important.
2. Neural Tube Defects (e.g, Spina Bifida): These affect the brain, spine, or spinal cord. If untreated, they may lead to physical disabilities, learning difficulties, and bladder/bowel issues. It is necessary to seek the help of an expert.
3. Clubfoot: A condition where a baby’s foot is twisted out of shape or position. Without treatment, walking becomes difficult and painful.
4. Digestive tract defects (Esophageal Atresia, Imperforate Anus): These conditions interfere with feeding and digestion and may cause fatal infections. Prompt management is life-saving.
5. Diaphragmatic Hernia: A hole in the diaphragm allows abdominal organs to move into the chest, impacting lung development and breathing.
Why is Early Detection Important?
Doctor will recommend prenatal scans and newborn screenings when it comes to identifying these defects as early as possible. When a condition is diagnosed early, sometimes even before birth, it is possible to plan the treatment on an immediate basis.
Early diagnosis also helps parents prepare emotionally and medically for their baby’s needs. The treatment will be given after the prompt diagnosis.
Surgeries for Various Birth Defects
1. Cleft Lip/Palate: Surgery is performed between 3–12 months of age, with follow-up therapies for speech that will be given by the expert.
2. Neural Tube Defects: Surgical closure of the spine is usually done within 48 hours of birth to prevent infection and further nerve damage in children.
3. Clubfoot: Is treated with casting, followed by surgery by the doctor.
4. Digestive Defects: For these defects, a corrective surgery will be performed for the newborn to ensure normal digestion and prevent complications.
5. Diaphragmatic Hernia: Emergency surgery is performed after birth to reposition organs and repair the diaphragm in the baby.
Remember, with appropriate care and timely surgery, many newborns with birth defects will be able to lead healthy lives.
Early detection helps families to give the child a strong start. Parents should follow medical advice and consult specialists promptly if a defect is detected.
Early diagnosis not only saves lives but gives parents the chance to prepare and plan the best care for their baby.
