When Expectation Meets Uncertainty: Understanding Fetal Malformations

When you find out you’re going to be a parent, it often comes with a lot of joy and hope as well as big dreams for the future.  However, becoming pregnant comes with uncertainty; one of the hardest challenges some families face is fetal malformation.

Many families suffer through congenital conditions. Yet, they remain largely taboo and are rarely discussed openly. This means that many parents are going through it alone, avoiding judgment and embarrassment.

What are congenital malformations?

Congenital malformations, congenital disorders or birth defects are conditions that develop while a baby is in the mother’s womb.

They can affect the body’s structure, organ function, or both. Some of these cases are identified during pregnancy, while others only become apparent at birth or later during childhood.

How common are they?

Congenital malformations are common nowadays. Some can be treated with surgical and non-surgical options, such as cleft lip and palate, clubfoot and hernias. Others, including heart defects, neural tube defects, and Down Syndrome, can cause lifelong impacts.

According to international health statistics, they cause hundreds of thousands of deaths of children every year.

• Over 240,000 newborns die due to congenital disorders in their first month of life.
• Every year, 170,000 children between the ages of one month and five years die due to these conditions.

The significance of awareness, early detection and access to universal care is evident in these figures.

What are the causes of congenital malformation?

There isn’t always a clear-cut cause, in most cases. However, research has shown that several factors may increase the risk, including

• Genetic factors whether inherited or spontaneously occurring.
• Maternal infections in pregnancy.
• Exposure to alcohol, drugs or harmful substances
• Poorly managed medical conditions like diabetes.
• Nutritional deficiencies, especially folic acid.

Is it possible to avoid them?

It is important to understand that parents are not to blame for congenital malformations. Not all malformations are preventable.

Nonetheless, some measures might lower the risk.

• You should take folic acid before and during early pregnancy.
• Attend all your antenatal appointments
• Stay away from alcohol, smoking and drugs
• Managing long-term health conditions with medical advice.
• Make sure your vaccinations are up to date before and during pregnancy.

Regular prenatal visits help identify issues and plan for treatment or support to help you and your baby.

Breaking the silence

The phenomenon of fetal malformation is surrounded by stigma, fear and misunderstanding.  Parents feel pressured to mask their experiences or skip hard conversations. If everybody can talk about congenital conditions openly, it can help to dispel harmful myths and strengthen early detection and care, which families need.

Pregnancy doesn’t always run smoothly for every woman.  Families who encounter such difficulties need compassion, information and support, not judgment or silence. Recognising and discussing the potential fetal malformation can foster understanding, inclusion and improve the outcome for the parents and their children.

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