Raising awareness must for reducing birth defects

Given that birth defects are a leading cause of death of an overwhelmingly large number of babies, experts put emphasis on building awareness among the parents of reducing the rate of giving birth to babies with defects with the country observing the World Birth Defects Day yesterday.

Talking to The Daily Star, Pranab Kumar Chowdhury, head of paediatric department of Chittagong Medical College (CMC), said over 20 percent of neonates die of birth defects, adding that on average, 1 out of 39 neonates is born with defects.

Malnutrition of mothers during pregnancy period, inhaling smokes directly or indirectly and taking alcohol or medicines without doctors' advice are the overarching reasons behind giving birth to babies with defects, he added, emphasising the need for safety of mother during pregnancy.

Mother must take folic acid three months before she becomes pregnant, and visit a doctor within 72 hours of delivery, Pranab suggested.

Marriage between blood relations, viral infection, taking adulterated food, environmental pollution…may also risk defects of babies; Tahmina Banu, professor and head of paediatric surgery of CMC, pointed out.

There are no statistical data as to exactly how many babies are born every year with defects, even though the World Health Organisation (WHO) had identified birth defects as a major concern in 2012, she said.

A total of 4,932 babies with defects in gastro intestinal system, and 2,708 with defects in urinary system were admitted to the paediatric surgery ward of Chittagong Medical College Hospital between 2008 and 2015, as per the hospital sources.

Over 2000 babies were also admitted to the ward with mouth and oral cavity, congenital anomaly, and defects in neoplasm, vascular system as well as hepato-biliary system in the same period.

Tahmina said building awareness among the parents could play a part in reducing the grave concern.