Gynaecologists: Pregnancy-related infection prevention lowers the chance of birth deformities

According to experts in maternal health, preventing infections during pregnancy lowers the chance that unborn children would have structural or functional abnormalities.

Congenital disorders, commonly referred to as congenital malformations, can be avoided with vaccination, lifestyle changes, and infection control during pregnancy, according to gynaecologists.

They mentioned congenital disorders, which are structural abnormalities apparent at birth that may result in physical handicap, intellectual and developmental disability, and other health issues. Examples of these disorders include hearing deficiencies and heart holes.

The doctors stated that while genetic triggers like mutations cannot be avoided, congenital illnesses associated with environmental factors including maternal exposure to specific drugs, chemicals, and alcohol might be avoided.

Even though not all of these conditions are curable, the professionals emphasised the significance of parents understanding these triggers to help protect their unborn babies.

According to the World Health Organisation report of February 27, 2023, an estimated 240,000 newborns die worldwide within 28 days of birth each year due to congenital disorders, which also lead to an additional 170,000 deaths among children aged one month to five years.

The global health body highlighted that congenital disorders can contribute to long-term disabilities, imposing a significant burden on individuals, families, healthcare systems, and societies, alarmingly that nine out of 10 children born with a serious congenital disorder are in low-and middle-income countries.

“As neonatal and under-5 mortality rates decline, congenital disorders account for a larger proportion of neonatal and under-5 deaths. The most common severe congenital disorders include heart defects, neural tube defects, and Down syndrome.

“While congenital disorders can arise from a combination of genetic, infectious, nutritional, or environmental factors, pinpointing the exact causes is often challenging,” the WHO added.
The doctors emphasised that treating modifiable risk factors and providing genetic counselling to individuals with a family history of genetic disorders are crucial steps in preventing congenital illnesses.

While acknowledging that vaccination, adequate intake of folic acid and iodine through supplementation or fortification of staple foods, and careful care before and during pregnancy are effective preventive approaches, they also pointed out that some congenital abnormalities may be avoided.

Dr. Chukwuneme Okpala, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital in Nnewi, Anambra State, stated that monitoring foetal health and providing appropriate prenatal care were essential to preventing congenital diseases.

Congenital illnesses are defined by Okpala as those that exist at or before birth. She stressed the importance of encouraging a healthy lifestyle both before and throughout pregnancy, including eating a balanced diet, avoiding harmful substances, and managing chronic conditions, can significantly reduce risks.

He highlighted the importance of vaccination in preventing infections that may lead to congenital anomalies, noting that early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve outcomes and quality of life.

Okpala stated, “Disease prevention is crucial in preventing congenital disorders. Through vaccination, mothers can mitigate several diseases that pose risks to unborn babies.

“Lifestyle modifications can help prevent diabetes, which is known to increase the risk of congenital disorders in unborn infants. Regular check-ups are also vital for monitoring maternal and foetal health, allowing for the early detection of potential issues.
"A multidisciplinary approach, incorporating early intervention services, surgical options, and ongoing medical care tailored to the individual's specific needs, is often required for the management of congenital disorders."

Citing their high-risk characteristics, he advised against using some drugs, especially recreational ones, before or during pregnancy.

He said that there is nothing that can be done about hereditary issues, although he did strongly recommend controlling diabetes, as it is one of the most common causes of congenital abnormalities.

He said, "Some congenital disorders are compatible with life, while those that are not will result in death shortly after birth." with reference to care and therapy. It is crucial to screen and track foetal growth.

"Doctors will make well-informed decisions in circumstances where survival is improbable. Although high-risk pregnancies can be terminated legally in certain nations for social and medical reasons, this is not a frequent practice in Nigeria.

Depending on their nature, several congenital problems can be remedied. Some babies are born without limbs, while others are born without a brain. These babies will not live after birth. In the end, a lot of these illnesses are preventable or manageable with changes to one's lifestyle.

During her speech on prevention, Dr. Cynthia Okafor, a consultant gynaecologist and obstetrician at Epe General Hospital in Lagos, stressed that maintaining a balanced diet by teenage girls and moms can dramatically lower the risk of these disorders in the nation.

She emphasised the significance of ingesting a range of vegetables and fruits, as well as maintaining a healthy weight, to lower the risk of congenital disorders and promote a better quality of life for children.

Okafor stressed the need for adequate dietary intake of vitamins and minerals, particularly folic acid, among adolescent girls and mothers.

She advised that mothers should avoid harmful substances, especially alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs.

“Reducing environmental exposure to hazardous substances, such as heavy metals and pesticides, during pregnancy is crucial. Administering insulin to diabetic patients who need it can be very helpful.
One of the most significant and economical methods of preventing a variety of childhood illnesses is vaccination. Therefore, it is strongly advised that women who intend to become pregnant get vaccinated against diseases like the rubella virus.

In order to further promote the prevention of congenital illnesses, health professionals and other interested parties must also get more awareness and education. It is crucial to screen for infections, including syphilis, and to treat them when needed.

She says that medical or surgical therapies can treat some congenital illnesses, but access to these treatments may differ by nation and between different tiers of the healthcare system.

She pointed out that surgery can frequently lessen the morbidity connected to structural congenital abnormalities or limit the potential fatality associated with congenital heart problems when combined with appropriate follow-up care.

"When problems like cardiac defects are identified early on in the healthcare system through screening, referral, and management at specialised centres, outcomes improve," the speaker said.

Okafor further mentioned that children with specific congenital diseases could need ongoing care, such as speech, occupational, and physical therapy, as well as support from their family and the community.