Even though not all congenital disabilities can be avoided, you can improve your chances of having a child who develops normally by being proactive both before and during your pregnancy. Some disorders like SMA are genetically transferred too. This is where parents can be concerned about their children.
A genetic disorder is a health ailment caused by an issue with one of your genes or chromosomes. These illnesses might have an influence on your development and health. Some genetic abnormalities are visible at birth, whereas others emerge during childhood, adolescence, or maturity.
Thousands of health disorders have been linked to genetic or chromosomal differences. Genetic illnesses have varying symptoms and severity. As research advances, more genetic illnesses caused by the interplay of your genes and environment (epigenetic disorders) are discovered. Some genetic disorders are more common in specific groups of people or among persons of a particular ancestry.
The best part is that taking care of yourself and doing what’s best for you will also benefit your unborn child. To prevent some of the disorders like DMD, parents may know some tips to follow. Here are some tips to help you have a healthy pregnancy:
Consult your doctor for your pregnancy:
See your doctor before becoming pregnant to discuss a treatment plan that will keep you and your unborn child healthy. If you have a medical condition or use medication, the doctor can help answer your questions about any adjustments you may need to make.
Learning about suggested vaccinations is also a good idea at this time. You might need to receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine prior to becoming pregnant. It shields your child from rubella, a disease that can cause severe birth problems that last a lifetime. However, the vaccination needs to be administered at least one month prior to becoming pregnant.
Keep up with all recommended vaccinations throughout pregnancy, especially those that help prevent whooping cough, COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus. Additionally, continue your regular examinations for group B streptococcus and sexually transmitted illnesses.
Take folic acid:
Get 400 mcg of folic acid daily. Folic acid is the only form of folate that has been shown to help prevent neural tube defects that can cause anencephaly and spina bifida. Take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily, beginning at least one month before becoming pregnant and continuing throughout the pregnancy. Some foods are fortified or enriched with folic acid, but the easiest way to ensure you get enough is to take a vitamin that contains folic acid daily. Sometimes, doctors also prescribe using folic acid for cancer treatments.
Aim for a healthy body weight:
Being underweight, overweight, or obese increases the chance of birth abnormalities and pregnancy problems. Maintain a healthy weight before becoming pregnant by following a healthy lifestyle that includes proper eating and regular exercise.
Avoid hazardous chemicals:
Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and narcotics. Any amount of these chemicals might be dangerous to your baby at any stage of pregnancy. Intake of toxic substances can increase the chances of Neuroblastoma in newborns. Neuroblastoma is a condition where nerves of the kids develop tissues, causing a tumor.
Beware of toxins at work and home.
Chemicals used at work can get up on your hair, skin, clothing, and shoes. Toxins include lead, gases, solvents, insecticides, asbestos, and other chemicals. Understand your risk of being exposed to dangerous pollutants at work and home. It can cause disorders like Gullian Syndrome, where kids’ immune systems and nervous systems are affected.
Very fertile couples may carry genetically inherited illnesses that do not limit their capacity to have children. However, genetically inherited illnesses dramatically raise the likelihood of having a kid born with a disabling or fatal anomaly.
Mutations, or single gene abnormalities, are produced by DNA flaws. DNA is found in the nucleus of our cells, packed within chromosomes and each cell’s power plant, mitochondria. Although some mutations have no effect on our health, others disrupt the development and operation of our cells, organs, and entire bodies.
Cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, Fragile X, Sickle Cell disease, and Thalassemia are examples of single-gene disorders that typically demonstrate an inheritance pattern within a family.