DOHA: Although not all birth defects can be prevented, awareness and education are key to helping increase the chances of having a healthy baby, says an expert.
The March of Dimes Foundation, a US organisation concerned with improving infant health by preventing birth defects, premature births and infant mortality, says Qatar is among the 20 countries with the highest rates of birth defects: 73.4 per 1,000 live births.
According to World Health Organisation, birth defects result in about 3.2 million disabilities every year globally.
The maternal fetal medicine team at Sidra Medical and Research Centre shared guidelines for maintaining a healthy pregnancy as key to limiting the probability of birth defects in newborns in support of Birth Defect Prevention Awareness Month this January.
The team will provide the most sophisticated and effective care for pregnant women with complex maternal and fetal conditions.
Cutting-edge prenatal diagnosis and fetal therapy will be offered to meet the needs of patients and those referred from other centres for evaluation and management of fetal anomalies.
“Birth Defect Prevention Month puts healthy pregnancy in the spotlight. However, translating awareness into behaviour change is what will make the real difference,” said Dr Karim Kalache, Division Chief, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Sidra.
“There are steps a woman and her family should take to minimise chances of her baby developing birth defects.
“It is important that lifestyle changes are at the forefront of mothers’ minds even before becoming pregnant. I hope the information we share strikes a chord and families are empowered to make more educated decisions about their health,” Dr Kalache added.
Sidra experts advise mothers for a healthy pregnancy to get 400 micrograms of folic acid every day, prevent infections, maintain a healthy weight, avoid smoking, consult a physician about any medications, Vitamin D, vaccinations and have regular check-ups.The Peninsula
