Question 1

is birth defect in part or a whole chromosome?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Some defects like Down syndrome involve a whole extra chromosome, some involve a small portion, some malformations like amniotic bands are not even genetic (not inherited from parents).

Question 2

my baby has an omphalocele and i am awaiting chromosome test results. i'm very scared and would like to know the odds of having serious birth defects?

Accepted Answer

Usually obvious: Omphalocoel can occur as an isolated defect or as part of a complex series of problems, including a chromosome defect.Although defects can be silent, like abnormal kidneys or heart problems, most that occur with chromosome defects are dramatic, like abnormalities of facial, hand,feed and genital structures.

Question 3

does slow rising hcg, if pregnancy turns out to be viable, indicate a chromosomal abnormality that could result in child with birth defects?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: Healthy and viable pregnancies usually double the value of the HCG hormone every 48 hours. There are many tests that are used now to predict and/or define fetuses with chromosomal abnormalities. Because of your age these tests should be offered and considered.

Question 4

are birth defects in amish caused by a mutation or a chromosonal abnormality?

Accepted Answer

Both: Birth defects occur in every group of human beings on this earth. Often the cause is genetic, including chromosome rearrangements and mutations in single genes. Babies born to  amish mennonite parents are no different. But in close-knit communities - amish, bedouin, roma, etc - parents are more likely to both carry the same mutation and bear a child with a genetic disease with # birth defects.

Question 5

describe the concept of a birth defect.?

Accepted Answer

Abnormal tissue Form: In simplistic terms a bd might be considered any abnormality found in a baby at birth. A better, more specific idea is a failure of a tissue or structure to form properly in fetal development.(cleft palate). A "disruption" can create a bd -loss of fingers to amnionic bands. Chromasome defects lead to several bd's like heart defects.

Question 6

what leads to most birth defects?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol: The avoidable agent best known for producing a variety of birth defects is alcohol.The spectrum of defects varies considerably with the amount consumed during pregnancy.The most involved are born to alcoholic mothers while as few as 2 drinks a day has a a significant risk. Defects vary from decreased intellect, heart, skeletal, facial and numerous other features., .

Question 7

could diet influence birth defects?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Insufficient folate (folic acid) in the mother's diet has been linked to neural tube birth defects.

Question 8

why are birth defects are on the rise?

Accepted Answer

Environment: although some birth defects are inherited others come from harmful environmental factors, and others are a result from complex interaction of genes and environmental factors. In about 50% of the cases the causes are unknown. Some birth defects can be prevented by not drinking or smoking or using street drugs  during pregnancy. Talk to a healthcare provider about medications you are taking as well

Question 9

what causes a baby to have birth defects?

Accepted Answer

Birth defect causes: 1- genetic; either inherited from parents or just random chance (new mutation)
2- Infection; toxo, herpes, varciella, syphilis, rubella, etc 
3- environmental factors; like radiation 
4 - Medications

Question 10

whats the percentage that have birth defects?

Accepted Answer

Depends on definitn: Most accept the definition of bds as anatomical abnormalities, large or small, obvious or not that are present at birth.Some might include  gene derived anomalies like extra fingers or metabolic issues like cystic fibrosis. Numbers for individual defects are easier to come by than inclusive numbers for this reason. (ie.Cleft lip, down syndrome)  i've seen inclusive estimates from 3-6% for all bd's.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Chromosomal birth defects

A member asked:

Is birth defect in part or a whole chromosome?

A member asked:

My baby has an omphalocele and i am awaiting chromosome test results. i'm very scared and would like to know the odds of having serious birth defects?

A member asked:

Does slow rising hcg, if pregnancy turns out to be viable, indicate a chromosomal abnormality that could result in child with birth defects?

A member asked:

Are birth defects in amish caused by a mutation or a chromosonal abnormality?

A member asked:

Describe the concept of a birth defect.?

A member asked:

What leads to most birth defects?

A member asked:

Could diet influence birth defects?

A member asked:

Why are birth defects are on the rise?

A member asked:

What causes a baby to have birth defects?

A member asked:

Whats the percentage that have birth defects?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?