WHAT ARE THE KNOWN CAUSES OF BIRTH DEFECTS?
• Radiation – Every woman and man planning to have children should protect themselves from unnecessary radiation. The most common source is diagnostic medical and dental x-rays. Monitoring is important where workers may be exposed to radiation on the job. • Cats – Carry a parasite called Toxoplasma which can be transmitted through their feces to pregnant women. The parasite enters through contaminated food or close contact. In a small percent of pregnancies, Toxoplasma can infect the mother’s placenta and the baby, resulting in birth defects including mental retardation and blindness. • Viruses – German measles is one of the very few viruses which can cause serious birth defects. These are prevented by increasing use of rubella vaccine. • Tobacco and Alcohol – Use during pregnancy may produce premature birth, low birth weight and poor mental development. Avoiding the use of tobacco and alcohol is very important and should be discussed with your physician. • Genetics – Each person’s blo
