National Birth Defects Awareness Month: Secret to lowering birth defect risks that every parent must know
Could science help prevent birth defects? This National Birth Defects Awareness Month, here's the breakthrough every couple needs to know!
Every January, National Birth Defects Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the significance of early detection and prevention efforts in lowering the risk of congenital defects. Chromosomal abnormalities are one of the leading causes of birth defects.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Ritu Hinduja, Fertility Specialist at Nova IVF Fertility in Mumbai, shared, “These anomalies, caused by alterations in the number or structure of chromosomes, can result in miscarriage, infertility, or congenital impairments including Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome. Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies (PGT-A) is a cutting-edge reproductive tool that provides hope to couples looking to reduce these risks.”
Understanding chromosomal abnormalities
Dr Ritu Hinduja explained, “Chromosomal abnormalities arise when one or more chromosomes are added or removed (numerical abnormalities) or when the structure of chromosomes changes. These mistakes may occur during the cellular division, either in the formation of eggs and sperm or inside the early embryonic stage.”
She elaborated, “Common chromosomal anomalies encompass Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome), and Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome), which are connected to developmental delays, bodily impairments, and increased infant mortality. In addition, sex chromosomal abnormalities like Turner syndrome and Klinefelter syndrome may have an effect on physical and reproductive development. While some defects are inherited, many are sporadic and take place by chance, in particular as parents' ages increases.”
The role of PGT-A in preventing birth defects
Dr Ritu Hinduja revealed, “PGT-A is a pioneering assisted reproduction device that examines embryos for chromosomal abnormalities prior to implantation. PGT-A is performed as part of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle, examining a few cells from an embryo to confirm the correct number of chromosomes. This allows fertility professionals to pick embryos with normal chromosomal profiles (euploid embryos), lowering the risk of miscarriage and birth problems by identifying defective embryos.”
She added, “Another advantage of PGT-A is its capacity to increase IVF success rates. Transferring genetically viable embryos increases the likelihood of successful implantation and live births, easing the emotional and financial stress of numerous IVF treatments. It is especially useful for women over the age of 35, as prolonged maternal age has been linked to chromosomal abnormalities caused by decreased egg quality. For individuals with a history of chromosomal abnormalities, PGT-A gives reassurance through finding embryos free from genetic errors. This enables couples to make informed decisions about their reproductive options, resulting in increased confidence and control over their family planning journey.”
National Birth Defects Awareness Month emphasizes the role of education, prevention and early intervention in minimising congenital defects. Dr Ritu Hinduja concluded, “Technologies such as PGT-A provide new options for couples looking to reduce the risk of chromosomal abnormalities and birth problems. By combining cutting-edge science and compassionate care, we can help families embrace hope and create healthy futures.”
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Recommended Topics Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.