For some families, the nine months leading up to welcoming a newborn are a fun time of bonding and anticipation.
January 24, 2024
For others, not so much. When you're pregnant, you're faced with worry after worry. It often comes with a huge list of rules and advice, some of which are associated with consequences so dire that it's hard to face.
Dr. John Doherty has proposed an idea that could lower the body temperature of pregnant women. Dougherty, associate director of quality for obstetrics and gynecology at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, told parents-to-be that while the risks may be high, there is good news regarding birth defects. reminds me.
“Generally, as long as you stay healthy and follow the guidelines set by your obstetrician, you'll be fine,” he said.
This does not mean that birth defects should be taken lightly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 33 babies in the United States is born with a defect. Not everything can be prevented, and some may not be seen at the moment the child is born. For example, Turner syndrome, which occurs when one of the X chromosomes that determines a child's biological sex is partially developed or missing, may cause the child to become pregnant unless detected before birth during preconception genetic screening. It may go unnoticed until birth. teenager.
Well-intentioned misinformation and half-truths about birth defects are all over the place. “Be careful Mr. Google,” Dougherty said. “If you have any questions, please contact us.”
Below, Doherty debunks some myths about birth defects.
Myth: Birth defects are caused solely by genetics.
Truth: “That’s not true at all,” he said.
Although having a family member with a birth defect is a risk factor, Doherty recommends that families in the planning stages consult with a genetic counselor to rule out the possibility of a birth defect. Although recommended, other external factors may also come into play.
The CDC lists:
- Smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking certain drugs during pregnancy.
- Certain medical conditions, such as obesity or poorly controlled diabetes before and during pregnancy.
- Taking certain medications, such as isotretinoin (a drug used to treat severe acne).
- Having certain infections during pregnancy, such as Zika virus or cytomegalovirus.
- Have a fever over 101 degrees or have an elevated body temperature from exposure to heat.
- Being an older mother, the risk of chromosomal abnormalities increases with age.
At this point, Doherty said more research needs to be done on the effects of COVID-19 on pregnancy. This disease is still new.
Myth: Spicy foods can cause birth defects.
Truth: Don't put away your Tabasco just yet. Spicy food itself doesn't pose a problem, Doherty says.
However, don't skimp on dieting. For example, some foods are contaminated with bacteria and can affect the health of your fetus. Doherty recommends talking to your obstetrician about what foods to avoid.
Myth: You have to give up chocolate.
Truth: No, chocolate is fine. That said, Doherty says you need to watch your sugar intake. According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 8% to 12% of all diabetic pregnancies are associated with malformations. In particular, diabetes can cause heart disease in children.
Myth: A hot bath. Outside.
Truth: Filling your bathroom tub with hot water is “usually fine,” Doherty says. While it is true that external forces can cause the body's body temperature to reach very high temperatures, which in rare cases can be dangerous for the fetus, it is unlikely that a warm bath can bring him close to 98.6 degrees without causing burns. there is no. This is the average body temperature of a healthy human.
But when it comes to whirlpool baths and saunas, which have slightly higher temperatures, “the jury is still out,” Doherty said.
Myth: Forget about dying your hair until the baby is born.
The truth: “There are concerns about chemical exposure in general,” Dougherty says. “Some hair dyes contain chemicals that can penetrate the skin.” While most hair treatments are considered safe, the American Pregnancy Association recommends that pure plant-based It is recommended to use dye and wait until the third trimester. Or, better yet, wait until the baby arrives.
Myth: Smoking a small amount or drinking a glass of wine is safe during pregnancy, as long as you don't consume large amounts.
The truth: “Attitudes about this have changed,” Dougherty says. About 30 years ago, doctors were preaching moderation. Given what's at stake today, the pendulum has swung toward celibacy. ”
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are a group of conditions that can occur in people exposed to alcohol before birth. It can lead to a myriad of physical and behavioral problems, from learning disabilities and low IQ to low body weight and heart, kidney, and bone problems. Smoking can also cause low birth weight babies and cleft lips and palates.
Related content:
The Medical Minute is a weekly health news feature published by the Pennsylvania State Department of Health. Articles feature the expertise of faculty, physicians, and staff and are designed to provide timely, relevant health information of interest to a wide range of readers.
If you have trouble accessing this content or would like it in another format, please email Penn State Health Marketing & Communications.
