A congenital disability may have various effects on your child and family; some congenital disabilities are minor and treatable, whereas others may be more serious and influence your child’s life in many different ways. Even though congenital disabilities are possible, not every family is ready for what might happen if their kid is found to have one, and that’s okay. Resources are offered to assist. Obtaining a second (or more) opinion is the first thing you should do if your kid is identified as having a congenital disability.
Consult your pediatrician or obstetrician first; they can direct you to the right experts. You should maintain regular well-baby checkups in addition to appointments with specialists because many congenital disability complications can be treated through early detection and intervention. Some congenital disabilities may be diagnosed before your baby is born, while others may not be apparent until after birth.
- Heart problems
Heart attacks are among the most frequent congenital abnormalities. The majority has no apparent cause, but a pregnant woman’s risk may be increased if she smokes or has diabetes. A heart anomaly develops when a portion of the heart does not set correctly in the womb. This may impact its ability to move blood throughout the body. Depending on the affected area of the heart, there are numerous kinds of heart defects. A ventricular septal defect is the most typical type of cardiac condition. The opening here divides the two lower cardiac chambers. The hole may eventually heal on its own in some cases. Significant heart defects in newborns frequently necessitate surgery shortly after delivery.
- Abnormalities of the stomach and gut
The abdominal muscles can occasionally misform, leaving a hole close to the belly button. In this case, the intestines or other parts may be outside of the body. The abdominal wall does not fully close during gastroschisis, allowing the bowel to push through and grow outside the body. There won’t be a protective sac around the innards. A protective sac surrounds the organs in omphalocele e, connected to other abnormalities.
An infant will require surgery shortly after birth in either scenario. The diaphragm is the muscle that separates the chest from the belly. The organs may start to migrate into the thorax if a hole develops in the diaphragm. This is referred to as a hernia in the abdomen. Until the lungs function correctly, an infant will require surgery and assistance with breathing.
- Limb shortening
A leg may occasionally develop partially in the womb. This structural anomaly, called limb reduction, causes a limb to be smaller than typical or completely absent. For instance, a child may be born with a clubfoot, a missing finger, or an abnormally short limb. Minor limb reductions may not impact a person’s everyday life. Others might find some motions restricted, more challenging, or impossible. Splints, prosthetics, and physical rehabilitation can all be helpful. It is unclear what causes limb reduction. Pregnancy-related exposure to contaminants or pathogens may raise the risk.
We hope this information was helpful and wish you a happy and healthy pregnancy!