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During a pregnancy, a baby’s parents usually try to find out as much information as possible about their future baby. They will try to learn everything there is to learn about babies, from diapering to college funds. But most parents do not even think and much less worry about possible birth disorders that could affect their baby's normal development.
Whether this is due to ignorance or just avoidance, parents need to make themselves at least familiar with common birth disorders that could affect their baby’s development. Parents do not need to become panicked about birth disorders, but they do need to know what to look for.
The most common of birth disorders do not necessarily have to be detected at your baby’s birth. Some birth disorders do not develop until a baby is one or two years old. There are usually some signs or symptoms while a baby is under age one, but because babies development at various rates throughout their first year of life, it is difficult to determine what is a symptom and what is just a slow development.
If your baby does show signs of a birth disorder, you will need to contact your pediatrician. There are many things that the doctors can do to help your baby including medical attention and/or therapy. Most of these birth defects mentioned can be entirely corrected.
COMMON BIRTH DISORDERS (in alphabetical order)
AUTISM
This birth disorder is the inability to develop normal human relationships. This includes relationships with parents. Babies with autism do not like to be touched or held and do not show most emotions. They tend to have tantrums or speak in their own form of communication. There are behavior and developmental problems. The cause of autism is believed to be recessive genes that are passed on by the parents. The treatment for a child with autism is mostly behavior modification therapy. There is no cure for autism.
CEREBRAL PALSY
This birth disorder is neuromuscular and is caused by some sort of damage to the brain. There is little or no control over body functions and movements. This birth disorder may not be identified until a baby is about three months or older. The reason for this is that babies do not have good developing motor control until around this age. Some other causes of cerebral palsy include jaundice, lack of oxygen or an infection of the brain. There is no treatment for cerebral palsy. Orthopedic devices, exercise and medication are usually the best course for treatment.
CLEFT LIP
A baby with a cleft lip has a split where the parts of the upper lip come together. The cause of a cleft lip is heredity. Other causes can include disease, malnutrition and drugs. Because of a cleft lip, babies can have trouble feeding. Surgery and speech therapy are often the best course for treatment.
DOWN SYNDROME
A baby with down syndrome usually has mental retardation, slow or delayed development and oval-shaped eyes. They can also have poor hearing and vision, and many other defects. Babies with down syndrome are not violent at all and are usually very cuddly. Down syndrome is caused by an extra chromosome is passed on by either parent. The baby then has 47 chromosomes instead of the normal required 46. Before birth, a prenatal test can be taken to determine if your child has down syndrome, after birth, many surgeries can correct abnormalities but the baby will still have other disorders left.
OPEN SPINE SPINA BIFIDA
This type of spina bifida is when the backbone, which protects the spinal cord, remains open instead of closing after the first days of development. It is believed that spina bifida is hereditary. Some babies can develop paralysis in their legs and might have a problem with bladder and bowel control. Surgery can close the opening, but paralysis will remain if it already developed.
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