Abnormal births are caused by a combination of genetic factors, environmental influences, and unknown causes. Genetic causes include chromosomal abnormalities, like too many or too few chromosomes, or single-gene defects. Environmental risk factors during pregnancy, such as exposure to certain drugs, alcohol, infections, or illnesses like uncontrolled diabetes and obesity, can also increase the likelihood of a birth defect. In many cases, the exact cause is not known.
Errors during the formation of eggs or sperm can lead to a baby having too many or too few chromosomes, which can cause conditions like Down syndrome. Structural changes to chromosomes, where a segment is broken or moved, can also be the cause.
A mutation in a single gene can cause a birth defect. These can be inherited from one or both parents, sometimes even if the parents are unaffected carriers (e.g., cystic fibrosis).
Environmental and other factors
Substance use:
Smoking, drinking alcohol, or using certain street drugs during pregnancy can increase the risk of birth defects.
Medications:
Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines can increase the risk. It is important to talk to a doctor about any medications taken during pregnancy.
Infections:
Maternal infections such as rubella, syphilis, or toxoplasmosis can cause birth defects.
Health conditions:
Having certain medical conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or obesity before or during pregnancy is a risk factor.
Chemical exposure:
Exposure to certain chemicals, like lead or mercury, during pregnancy can increase the risk.
Preventing or reducing risk
Take prenatal vitamins:
Folic acid, in particular, can help prevent some brain and spinal defects, and should be taken before and during pregnancy.
Manage health conditions:
Work with a healthcare provider to manage chronic conditions like diabetes before and during pregnancy.
Avoid risky substances:
Do not smoke, drink alcohol, or use street drugs during pregnancy.
Talk to your doctor about medications:
Discuss all medications and supplements you are taking with your doctor to ensure they are safe during pregnancy.
Good information! Abnormal births create much emotional and financial burden for families. Be it any reason as mentioned here, which ranges from genetics to even unknown ones, the life of the child and his/her loved ones are deeply impacted. Thus, it is always advised to have regular prenatal checkups to prevent any complications later. Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), is one such highly accurate non-invasive blood test that analyzes fetal DNA from the mother’s blood & can be performed as early as 10 weeks.
A clear reminder that birth abnormalities often arise from a mix of genetic and environmental factors, and sometimes the cause remains unknown. Understanding these risks helps support better prenatal care and awareness.
Birth defects arise from a complex interplay of genetics, environment, and maternal health reminding us how delicate early development truly is. Understanding these risks empowers families, clinicians, and communities to act preventively rather than reactively. While genetic factors like chromosomal errors or single-gene mutations cannot always be avoided, many environmental risks can be reduced with awareness: avoiding alcohol and smoking, managing chronic illnesses, and ensuring safe medication use. Early prenatal care, folic-acid supplementation, and timely screening can significantly lower risk and improve outcomes. Ultimately, prevention is a shared responsibility supporting women before and during pregnancy is one of the strongest investments in a child’s lifelong health.
Abnormal births related to environmental factors have increased due to exposure to various harmful agents. Therefore, it is important to educate people about the different prenatal health checkups available.
With today’s sedentary lifestyle and increased co morbidities, we should focus more on our health to avoid birth abnormalities if trying to have children.