Risks of Birth Defects

by Dr. Nathan

  • Racial or ethnic background of you and your spouse influence your risk for certain inherited problems; for example, cystic fibrosis is relatively common among Caucasians of Northern European descent, occurring in about 1 out of 2,500 births.

  • Environmental exposures such as taking certain medicine for seizures, Accutane® (retinoic acid), regularly drinking alcoholic beverages, or having certain infections may also increase your fetus's risk for malformations.

  • Intermarriage, such as marrying your cousin or other closely related individual, increases your baby's risk of having some genetic problems.

    In situations of increased risk as described above, you should speak with your doctor. She may recommend that you consult with a genetics counselor. These counselors are trained to help you understand the risks of genetic disease. They will be best able to review your situation and determine your risks.

    Plainly Speaking

    Your risk of having a baby with a birth defect is about 2 percent and depends on your age, medical history, and many other factors. Even if you are at low risk, there are screening tests that you should consider. These tests can help to measure the risk that your baby may have a birth defect. If you are at increased risk, more specific diagnostic tests should be considered. Knowing about serious birth defects before delivery is almost always helpful.

    References
    1. Ventura, et al. Report of Final Natality Statistics, 1995, Monthly Vital Statistics Report, From the CDC, Volume 45(11):1-73, June 10, 1997

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