In general, major defects of the body and internal organs are more likely to occur between 3 to 12 embryo / fetal weeks. This is the same as 5 to 14 gestational weeks (weeks since the first day of your last period). This is also referred to as the first trimester.
First trimester screening is a combination of tests completed between weeks 11 and 13 of pregnancy. It is used to look for certain birth defects related to the baby's heart or chromosomal disorders, such as Down syndrome. This screen includes a maternal blood test and an ultrasound.
First Trimester (0 to 13 Weeks)
The first trimester is the most crucial to your baby's development. During this period, your baby's body structure and organ systems develop. Most miscarriages and birth defects occur during this period. Your body also undergoes major changes during the first trimester.
You are not alone. One of the things pregnant women tend to worry about the most are birth defects. In fact, according to Parents Magazine, 78 percent of expectant mothers rated birth defects as their number one concern. But knowing the facts can help ease your anxiety.
It's not always possible to detect all birth defects in utero. However, high-resolution ultrasounds done by certified prenatal ultrasound groups make it possible to diagnose defects that will cause a significant impact before birth.
Smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking certain "street" drugs during pregnancy. Having certain medical conditions, such as obesity or uncontrolled diabetes, before and during pregnancy. Taking certain medicines. Having someone in your family with a birth defect.
Current supplementation policies designed to prevent neural tube defects may incidentally prevent Down's syndrome, provided a sufficiently high dose of folic acid is used.
Birth Defects (78%)
Reality Check: About 97 of every 100 babies born in the U.S. arrive without a major birth defect, such as spina bifida or Down syndrome.
Harmful exposures during the first trimester have the greatest chance of causing major birth defects. This is because many important developmental changes take place during this time. The major structures of the body form in the first trimester.
Most babies (91%) in Australia are born at term (37–41 weeks). This is similar across the states and territories and has been stable over time.
At what week is a baby's brain fully developed? At the end of the 24 weeks during the second trimester, the baby's brain is fully developed. The second trimester is a crucial period for the formation of the map of neural connections in the brain.
Brain development in the third trimester is marked by the rapid development of neurons in the brain and explosive growth. Your baby's brain will triple in size during this time, growing from a little over 3 ounces to almost 11 ounces at birth.
The most common severe congenital disorders are heart defects, neural tube defects and Down syndrome. Although congenital disorders may be the result of one or more genetic, infectious, nutritional or environmental factors, it is often difficult to identify the exact causes.
Most babies will be born without any problems, but between 3 and 5 percent of all babies will be born with a birth defect. Some people are surprised birth defects are that common. Also, doctors today can diagnose some birth defects — up to 70 percent of them by some estimates — before the baby is born.
Easing Your Miscarriage Fears
Try to remember that your fears are normal, but that this phase will pass. Take time to practice mindfulness, meditation, and take some time for yourself. This could include any stress-reducing activities you enjoy like yoga or going for a walk.
The risk of chromosomal abnormality increases with maternal age. The chance of having a child affected by Down syndrome increases from about 1 in 1,250 for a woman who conceives at age 25, to about 1 in 100 for a woman who conceives at age 40.
About 95 percent of the time, Down syndrome is caused by trisomy 21 — the person has three copies of chromosome 21, instead of the usual two copies, in all cells. This is caused by abnormal cell division during the development of the sperm cell or the egg cell.
Down syndrome, which arises from a chromosome defect, is likely to have a direct link with the increase in stress levels seen in couples during the time of conception, say Surekha Ramachandran, founder of Down Syndrome Federation of India, who has been studying about the same ever since her daughter was diagnosed with ...
Blurry or impaired vision. Unusual or severe stomach pain or backaches. Frequent, severe, and/or constant headaches. Contractions, where your stomach muscles tighten, before 37 weeks that happen every 10 minutes or more often.
Keep the anus clean by wiping carefully after each bowel movement. Gently wipe from the front to the back. Baby wipes or hemorrhoid pads are usually more gentle than toilet paper. If you use toilet paper, use only soft, undyed, unscented toilet paper.