Can some disabilities be prevented by extra care during pregnancy? What are the elements of care and the tests to be taken during pregnancy?
A Certain viral infections are passed by the expecting mother to the growing fetus in-utero, such as HIV, Rubella, Herpes, Toxoplasma etc. In addition alcohol intake, smoking or drug dependence in the mother can lead to low birth weight, poor physical and mental development subsequently leading to academic failures. Some of these problems can be prevented by pre-pregnancy screening tests such as ultrasounds, aminocytesis etc, which help monitor the fetal abnormalities. To take care of these problems obstetricians also suggest precautions during the pregnancy.
