Birth Defects

9 Pages 2339 Words

Chapter I
The Problem

“Honey, I’m pregnant!” For a father, that is a news of joy and good tidings. That he can bring forth a life into this world. On the mother’s part, it is the fulfillment of being a woman, or the essence of her being, that is, to conceive and carry life.

Many of us believe a child is “just” one of nature’s wonders. Yes, it actually is, but on some part, it is not. Some parents are not lucky enough to deliver a normal baby. When a baby is born, it is said that both the parents are fulfilled with joy because their baby is healthy. But some parents receive frightening news that their baby has a birth defect. Well, it is not a game of luck. There are many factors that cause birth defects. Some are environmental, and some are genetic and can be traced back to our ancestors. Genes are very tricky this time. Birth defects may or may not occur to 2 babies of the same parents. Even though, some people are lucky enough to have not an abnormality in one’s gene.

Many believe so, and studies prove that there are many ways or processes for birth defects to be diagnosed. For some, to reduce the risk of having an abnormality in their child, they undergo these processes prior to conceiving or prior to giving birth.

Chapter II
Results and Discussions


Birth defects are defined as abnormalities of structure, function, or body metabolism that are present at birth. These abnormalities lead to mental or physical disabilities or are fatal. There are more than 4,000 different known birth defects ranging from minor to serious and although many of them can be treated or cured, they are the leading cause of death in the first year of life. Birth defects can be caused by genetic, environmental, or unknown factors. Birth defects are found in 2-3% of all newborn infants. This rate doubles in the first year, and reaches 10% by age 5, as more defects become evident and can be diagnosed. Almost 20% of deaths in...