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Last Updated on November 24, 2025 by
Expectant parents often worry about their baby’s health. Genetic abnormalities and foetal disorders are big concerns. At LivHospital, we offer top-notch healthcare and support for international patients.
Every year, about 7.9 million babies are born with serious birth defects. But, research shows that with the right planning, we can lower this number. Taking a daily prenatal vitamin with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid can prevent many genetic abnormalities.
We’ll look at how you can lower the risk of genetic abnormalities during pregnancy. Our goal is to give you the care and support you need at this important time.
Birth defects and genetic abnormalities worry expectant parents everywhere. Each year, 7.9 million infants are born with serious birth defects worldwide. This is why it’s key to grasp these conditions.
The World Health Organization says birth defects lead to a lot of infant deaths and disabilities. “Birth defects are a big reason for sickness and death in kids under five,” they note. This shows why we need to spread awareness and take steps to prevent them.
Chromosomal issues, like Down syndrome, are common genetic problems. Down syndrome happens in about 1 in 800 births. The risk goes up a lot with the mother’s age. Other common issues include Turner and Klinefelter syndromes.
The chance of Down syndrome goes up a lot with the mother’s age. For moms under 35, the risk is 1 in 2,000. But at 40, it jumps to 1 in 100. This makes it vital for older moms to know the risks and get prenatal tests.
“The risk of having a child with Down syndrome increases with maternal age, specially after 35.”
Knowing these risks helps parents make better choices about their pregnancy. This includes thinking about prenatal tests and other ways to prevent problems.
Seeking preconception genetic counselling helps you make informed choices about your pregnancy. It’s not just about wanting a healthy baby. It’s about understanding your genetic risks and how to reduce them.
Looking at your family history is key in preconception genetic counselling. Our experts will help you find any genetic disorders in your family, like cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia. Knowing this helps figure out your risk of passing these conditions to your kids.
“Knowing your family’s medical history can show genetic risks,” says a leading expert in genetic counselling. “This lets you take steps towards a healthier pregnancy.”
Carrier testing is a simple but powerful tool. It helps find genetic disorders that could be passed to your children. We test for many conditions, giving you the info you need for reproductive choices.
After looking at your family history and doing carrier testing, we create a plan just for you. This plan is based on your needs and situation. It shows you how to lower your risks and have a healthy pregnancy.
If you’ve had a baby with a birth defect before, we can help. We’ll explain why it happened and how to avoid it next time. Our aim is to give you the knowledge and support for a successful pregnancy.
Good nutrition is key for a healthy baby. A balanced diet gives both mom and baby the nutrients they need.
Folic acid is very important for preventing birth defects. It can lower the risk of neural tube defects by up to 70%. Take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day, starting a month before pregnancy and all through it.
Folic acid is very important. It helps prevent serious birth defects. Making sure you get enough folic acid is a simple way to support a healthy pregnancy.
Other vitamins and minerals are also key for a baby’s growth. These include:
Eating a variety of foods is good for a healthy pregnancy. Include:
Also, avoid certain foods. These include:
Making smart food choices can lower the risk of birth defects. We’re here to help you make the best choices for a healthy pregnancy.
Screening tests are key in prenatal care. They help find possible issues with the fetus. These tests give parents insights into their baby’s health, helping them make informed choices.
The first trimester is a critical time for early screening. Nuchal translucency scanning is done between 11 and 14 weeks. It checks the fluid at the baby’s neck.
This test, along with blood tests, looks for chromosomal issues like Down syndrome. Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is also used. It looks at DNA in the mother’s blood for common conditions. This test starts after 10 weeks.
The second trimester brings more detailed tests. The anatomy scan is done between 18 and 20 weeks. It’s a detailed ultrasound that checks the baby’s body for any issues.
Other tests include amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS). These tests look at amniotic fluid or placental tissue for genetic problems.
Genetic testing has improved a lot. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) are used with IVF. They test embryos for genetic issues before they’re implanted.
These methods give a deeper look at the fetus’s genetic health. They help parents understand more about their pregnancy.
For couples at high risk of genetic abnormalities, advanced reproductive technologies offer hope. These technologies have improved the chances of a healthy pregnancy. They also give couples more control over their reproductive health.
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is a big step forward. PGD screens embryos for genetic disorders before they are implanted during IVF. It’s very helpful for couples who carry genetic disorders.
PGD is a technique used during IVF to diagnose genetic diseases in embryos. It involves:
PGD significantly reduces the risk of genetic abnormalities in pregnancy. It offers a more targeted approach than traditional prenatal testing methods.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) with genetic screening goes beyond PGD. It screens for chromosomal abnormalities in addition to genetic diseases. This ensures only healthy embryos are selected for implantation.
The benefits of IVF with genetic screening include:
For couples at high risk of passing on genetic abnormalities, several options are available:
Each option has its own considerations and emotional implications. We recommend that high-risk couples consult with a fertility specialist. This helps determine the best course of action for their specific needs.
In conclusion, advanced reproductive technologies have opened new avenues for couples at risk of genetic abnormalities. By understanding and leveraging these technologies, couples can make informed decisions. This significantly reduces the risk of genetic abnormalities in their pregnancy.
To lower the risk of genetic problems, it’s key to avoid harmful environmental and lifestyle factors. Making smart choices and living healthier can greatly improve pregnancy results. This helps reduce the chance of common birth defects.
Staying away from harmful substances is vital for a healthy pregnancy. This means no alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs. These can raise the risk of pregnancy issues and birth defects. Here’s what we recommend:
Pre-existing health issues can affect pregnancy. It’s important to manage them well before and during pregnancy. Here’s how:
The right time for pregnancy can help avoid environmental risk factors and lifestyle risk factors. Planning when you’re healthy and not stressed can lead to better outcomes. Think about:
Exposure to harmful substances at work and in the environment can be risky during pregnancy. To lessen these risks, consider:
By following these steps, we can reduce environmental risk factors and lifestyle risk factors. This makes a safer, healthier space for your unborn baby. It’s about making smart choices and living healthier to support a good pregnancy.
Adopting a comprehensive prevention strategy can greatly lower the risk of genetic problems and birth defects. At LivHospital, we use preconception genetic counselling, good nutrition, prenatal screening, and avoiding harmful substances. This ensures the best outcomes for you and your baby.
A good pre-birth plan involves looking at your family history and carrier testing for genetic disorders. It also means creating a plan to reduce your risk. Eating right, with lots of folic acid, and getting the right prenatal tests are key steps.
At LivHospital, we’re here to support you all the way. We consider advanced reproductive technologies and help you avoid environmental and lifestyle risks. This way, we help you have a healthy pregnancy.
Chromosomal abnormalities include Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, and Klinefelter syndrome. These happen when there’s a change in the number or structure of chromosomes.
Taking folic acid before and during early pregnancy can lower the risk of neural tube defects. We suggest a daily folic acid supplement and eating foods like leafy greens and fortified cereals.
Preconception genetic counseling looks at your family history and carrier testing for genetic disorders. It helps spot risks and lets you plan to reduce them.
Prenatal screening tests include first trimester options like nuchal translucency ultrasound and blood tests. Second trimester tests are amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS). Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is also available.
Avoid harmful substances like tobacco, alcohol, and chemicals. Manage any health conditions you have. Also, reduce exposure to harmful substances at work and in your environment.
PGD is used during IVF to check for genetic disorders in embryos before they’re transferred. It helps couples at risk of genetic problems have a healthy pregnancy.
The risk of Down syndrome goes up with maternal age, after 35. We advise older mothers to talk about their risks and options with a healthcare provider.
Important nutrients include folic acid, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Eating a balanced diet with whole foods helps ensure you get these nutrients.
Yes, genetic issues can be found during pregnancy with screening and diagnostic tests. These tests help identify problems and guide decision-making.
To keep your baby safe, avoid harmful substances and manage health conditions. Reduce exposure to harmful substances at work and in your environment. A healthy lifestyle and regular prenatal care support a healthy pregnancy.
