One of parents’ constant concerns is about the baby’s health, especially when it comes to malformation. This is still a complex subject because there is no exact cause for malformation, but science already knows some things that can lead to malformation in the baby. Shall we find out? Good, baby malformation is a very common problem and, according to research, one in every thirty babies is born with some kind of malformation. That’s why it’s very important for every future mother to have a very detailed prenatal checkup. The pregnant woman should have monthly appointments with her obstetrician and undergo tests whenever necessary to monitor the baby’s development and detect any abnormality or malformation in the baby.
How to Prevent Baby Malformation?
When it comes to this subject, many doubts trouble parents. But the big truth is: you can never be too careful! But after all, is it possible to prevent baby malformation? Are there any precautions that can avoid it? One of the main recommendations from doctors to prevent baby malformation is to take folic acid1. It should be started when you are planning to get pregnant or right after you find out. Use should be continuous until the end of the pregnancy; this way, the risk of your baby developing spina bifida is greatly reduced. In fact, folic acid should be taken even before conception so that the reserves of this nutrient are ideal for conception. Another very important recommendation is not to drink alcohol during pregnancy. The reason is that one in every five cases of mental deficiency is caused by alcohol use during pregnancy, not to mention the countless other causes of malformation and health risks that the use of alcohol and cigarettes can cause during pregnancy2. Another necessary measure to ensure that your baby develops in a healthy way is to have your vaccinations up to date. A woman who gets pregnant with all her vaccines updated has minimal chances of developing illnesses during pregnancy, ensuring the baby’s development happens smoothly and healthily, without any setbacks. During pregnancy, it’s normal for moms to get a cold, experience headaches and other common things like nausea, and the use of medications can be done. But before taking any medication for any of these issues, it’s very important to talk to your doctor. Some medicines can contain teratogens, which can be one of the causes of baby malformation. 
Causes of Baby Malformation
Besides inappropriate use of medication, and use of alcohol and cigarettes, there are also other causes of malformation. Some simple things we do and use during our daily life—and that we often have no idea might be one of the causes of baby malformation—should be avoided during pregnancy. One of these is the constant use of costume jewelry. That’s right! Those necklaces, earrings, and rings made from costume jewelry pose a major risk, and do you know why? Some costume jewelry pieces may contain a very high level of lead and this chemical entering a woman’s bloodstream can be a cause of baby malformation3. Another simple precaution is to avoid very high temperatures, as certain temperature levels can favor malformation, especially between the fifth and sixth week of pregnancy. If the mother’s body temperature is too high, the chances of the baby being born with spina bifida are high (a serious congenital abnormality of the nervous system). C Proper care with diet is also fundamental, especially the consumption of meat, eggs, fish, and raw salads to avoid contamination by microorganisms. Toxoplasmosis during pregnancy can be one of the risk factors for the baby developing a malformation.
How to Deal with Baby Malformation
Despite all the future mother’s care, the baby can be born with malformation, since there are still many causes under investigation. But for the benefit of the child and the family, there are many places that offer treatment and follow-up for baby malformation. Another more severe type of spina bifida is myelomeningocele, which affects the bones of the spine and spinal cord. The baby is born with a bulge in the back, causing neurological disorders and paralysis of the lower limbs. Treatment for malformation in this case is surgical and physiotherapeutic, as there is no cure for this malformation. However, many places provide treatment for baby malformation, enabling a good quality of life for the child. Today, many families can count on assistance from APAES (Association of Parents and Friends of Exceptional Children). These centers not only care for children with Down syndrome but also children with malformed or missing limbs. There are several features of baby malformation and its treatment, which may be surgical, depending on the case, and physiotherapeutic. The important thing is to count on medical assistance, which is guaranteed by law 8.069/1990 (Child and Adolescent Statute) and law 8.742/1993 granting benefits to children with disabilities. See Also: Expanded Neonatal Screening Test – What Diseases Does It Detect?
