Expectant mothers should have regular prenatal check-ups during pregnancy, not only to ensure their own health, but also to observe whether the fetus is developing normally. Every pregnant woman should pay special attention to the prevention of fetal malformations, because there are many causes of fetal malformations, which will be very dangerous if not prevented.
Pathological causes of fetal malformations
Genetic factors: The internal causes of deformed children mainly come from genetic factors, that is, abnormalities in the genetic material of the parents. When there are abnormalities in the number and structure of chromosomes in genetic genes, teratogenesis will occur.
Period of action of teratogens: Early pregnancy (first trimester), when organs differentiate and develop rapidly and are most sensitive to external teratogens. Therefore, this time is the most important time to prevent deformity. Different organ systems also have corresponding teratogenic sensitive periods, such as the nervous system at 15-77 days after fertilization, the brain at 20-40 days after fertilization, the embryo having completed the development of organs other than the nervous system and reproductive organs at 8 weeks after fertilization. After differentiation to the fetal stage, the sensitivity to external teratogenic factors is relatively reduced. By 12 weeks after pregnancy, the influence of external teratogenic factors is even smaller.
Chromosomal variation: The genetic material in the human body exists on the chromosomes in the cell nucleus. Usually the chromosomes are stable, but under the influence of certain adverse factors in daily life, one or more genes (functional units that determine genetic traits) on the chromosomes ) ) mutations can cause teratogenicity. Consanguineous marriages may give birth to deformed children. For some genetic diseases, the disease-causing gene is recessive. Only when both spouses carry this recessive gene are their offspring obviously affected. Consanguineous couples are more likely than the general population to carry the same disease-causing genes.
Poor ecological environment: Petrochemical production emissions pollute the atmosphere, which can increase perinatal neonatal and infant mortality, significantly increase the incidence of abnormal pregnancies in air-polluted areas, and cause stillbirths, spontaneous abortions, stillbirths and newborns in pregnant women. Child mortality and birth defect rates are significantly higher than in non-polluted areas. Pregnant women in early pregnancy are often exposed to radiation, toxic substances, etc., which can easily cause problems such as cleft lip and palate, congenital anus, and esophageal atresia. Folic acid deficiency can lead to neural tube malformations, such as anencephaly, spina bifida, congenital hydrocephalus, etc.
So, what nutrients are lacking in the expectant mother’s body that can also lead to fetal malformations?
Nutritional causes of fetal malformations
Excessive calcium supplementation: Many pregnant women are afraid of fetal calcium deficiency and take calcium tablets and vitamin D indiscriminately. Little did they know that this would cause hypercalcemia in newborns, which would manifest as premature closure of the fontanel, widening and protruding palate, coarctation of the aorta and other deformities, and in severe cases, even mental retardation. Therefore, the amount of calcium supplement is not always better.
Magnesium deficiency in the body: Repeated vomiting, long-term diarrhea or insufficient magnesium intake in pregnant women can lead to magnesium deficiency in the body. The incidence of fetal mortality and congenital malformations increases. You should eat more foods rich in magnesium, such as sesame seeds, soybeans, kelp, corn, spinach, day lily, black dates, bananas, etc.
Lack of trace elements: It has been confirmed that pregnant women can slow down embryonic development and cause abnormal differentiation of various tissues and organs, especially abnormalities in the central nervous system. Therefore, the daily dietary zinc supply for pregnant women should be maintained at 25 mg. Foods rich in zinc include fish and lean meats. Animal liver and kidney, peanuts, eggs, dairy products, sesame seeds, soybeans, walnuts, brown rice, semolina, etc. Copper deficiency in pregnant women can cause brain atrophy and bone deformation in babies. People with congenital defects such as cardiovascular abnormalities should eat more animal livers, pork, soybeans, sesame seeds, shrimps, etc. Copper-rich foods like brown rice. The 1018th week of the embryo is the development period of the nervous system. At this time, iodine deficiency will lead to insufficient synthesis of thyroid hormones, resulting in defects in nervous system development.
Next, we will tell you how to prevent fetal malformations.
Preventive methods for fetal malformations
We must take premarital medical examinations seriously. Some diseases discovered through examination, such as hepatitis B, sexually transmitted diseases, etc., will affect the health of offspring and cause fetal malformations. You cannot become pregnant until you are cured;
Be prepared before pregnancy, do not get pregnant blindly, have a planned pregnancy, and conduct some necessary examinations, such as rubella virus testing. Rubella virus infection can cause congenital heart disease and congenital deafness in the fetus. Rubella vaccine can prevent rubella virus infection; \”Quadruple\” folic acid tablets can be taken in the first three months of pregnancy to prevent fetal neural tube defects.
Avoid getting pregnant in spring and winter, as there are more viruses in spring and winter, and the incidence of fetal malformations is significantly higher than in summer and autumn.
Establish a perinatal health card immediately after pregnancy, conduct regular examinations, Down syndrome screening at 14-20 weeks, B-ultrasound examination before 28 weeks, etc. These examinations can detect whether the fetus is malformed in the early stages of pregnancy.
Prevent reproductive tract infectious diseases. Reproductive tract infectious diseases are mainly caused by unclean sexual behavior. Therefore, sexual behavior should be regulated. Those diagnosed should receive prompt treatment. Pregnant women who find abnormal secretions should seek medical treatment promptly.
To prevent fetal malformations, do the above points.