Why Do Birth Defects Occur?
In the majority of cases, researchers cannot be certain, but there are clues. For example, environmental toxins have been implicated in the occurrence of certain birth defects. In other cases, such as spina bifida — a condition in which the spinal column is not entirely enclosed within the body, resulting in increased rates of infection, paralysis, and later bladder and bowel problems — researchers and clinicians have identified a lack of folic acid in the mother’s diet as a potential contributor to the disorder. “With adequate amounts of folic acid given to women at the beginning of their pregnancies, we can lower the incidence of spina bifida,” says Dr. Musci. Environmental contaminants such as drinking water polluted with pesticide runoff, occupational exposures to chemicals, and certain prescription medications taken in the early weeks of pregnancy are other factors to consider when looking for causative agents. Additionally, there are certain women who are at a higher risk. This p
