In ancient times, abnormalities were seen as warnings or punishments from the gods. Even quite recently, it was believed that specific events during the pregnancy - such as being frightened by a mouse - would lead to specific defects in the baby, eg a mouse shaped birth mark. Such folk beliefs still persist in places. However, most defects that can be traced to a single cause have a genetic origin. This does not necessarily mean that the parents suffer from the same defect. It may be that they are carriers of the condition, or that the genetic problem occurred for the first time in the cells that gave rise to the baby. Known genetic causes account for about 25 per cent of all abnormalities.
What causes the other 75% of birth defects?
How can the 25% (by genetic causes) be prevented?
What part does 'cousin' marriages play in this?
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/health_advice/facts/birthdefects.htm
2006-12-04 22:52:24 · 6 answers · asked by kayamat_ka_din 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
'beccy_anne' is talking of an ideal mother. What percentage of all mothers are that well prepared?
2006-12-05 08:31:01 · update #1
Inbreeding.
2006-12-04 23:00:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Birth defects can be caused by many things.
A woman should spend at least three months getting her body ready before concieving to reduce the risk of birth defects. Proper nutrition plays a huge role in the development of a healthy baby.
2006-12-04 23:06:58 · answer #2 · answered by MrsC 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, cousin marraiges might be included in genetic.
I would suggest that many other defects are caused by exposure to harmful substances. Eg, some presciption drugs, other drugs, not enough/too much of or a certain vitamin.
I don't know if that would cover the entire 75% though.
2006-12-04 23:00:13 · answer #3 · answered by eauxquet 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well genetics is a part in some, but I guess it's just the luck f the draw!! They do say, that you are only given as much as you can handle ... and just because it's a defect, desn't mean the child is deficient!! Its karma ... it's the hand of nature playing it's game!! Most children/people with defects are extra special in some other way, so perhaps by calling it a defect we are wrong ... we measure normal ... what is normal!!
2006-12-04 23:14:24 · answer #4 · answered by lynne 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Other things that cause birth defects are drug use by the mother, alcohol drunk by the mother, smoking mother, nutritional deficiencies (eg: folic acid deficiency = spina bifida and other neural tube defects).
2006-12-04 23:09:00 · answer #5 · answered by Donna M 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the only even remote answer i can give is that i was pregnant, i had a termination as the baby had severe spina bifida. due to me carrying one child with this they worked out i increased my future chances by 70%. i now have to plan a pregnancy fully with a years medication before hand. not answering you much but my input!
2006-12-04 22:55:31 · answer #6 · answered by Sapphire 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋