www.womanthismonth.com 55 August 2013 BAHRAIN SPECIALIST HOSPITAL There are more than 4,000 different known birth defects. Some are seen at birth, such as extra digits or absence of a limb and some are not noticed until later in life. Special tests may be needed to detect others, such as hearing loss or heart defects. It can be caused by a mixture of factors like errors in genes or chromosomes that can be inherited or exposure to harmful agents. In many cases though, the exact cause is unknown. There is an increased risk of having a baby with birth defects if the woman is 35 years or older when the baby is due, has diabetes, previously had a child with a birth defect, has a family or personal history of birth defects, used certain medications around the time she became pregnant, drinks alcohol or use illegal drugs. “Obesity increases the risk of birth defects,” says Maria Isabel Talay, obstetrician and gynaecologist at Bahrain Specialist Hospital. “The most common are neural tube, abdominal wall and heart defects.” Smoking has been linked to sudden infant death syndrome, developmental problems and hospitalisation of infants. A leading cause of mental retardation and other defects is alcohol use during pregnancy. Folic acid can help prevent neural tube defects. It is recommended to be taken before pregnancy and up through the first three months. On the other hand, very high levels of vitamin A cause severe congenital disorders. “For women who have medical conditions and are planning to get pregnant, consultation before pregnancy is important,” she advises. Call 17 812-000. A birth defect or congenital disorder is a problem that is present at birth, affecting how the baby looks, functions or both. We speak to an expert for details. Birth Defect Risks Dr Maria Isabel Talay showcase SOCIAL BUTTERFLY The Royal Charity Organisation's (RCO) summer activity kick-started under the patronage of RCO Board of Trustees Chairman His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa with a summer camp co-organised by RCO and Lulu Hypermarket Company at Ramli Mall Lulu Summer Camp Launch Shukoor, Aseem & Ahmed Dr Hala Fatima Farean & Zuhaib Daleen & Nadine Ebrahim, Hassan, Al Samaul, Mohammed & Adel Dr. Mustafa Al Sayed opens the camp
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