Chapter 1

1. GENETIC 2. CHROMOSOMAL 3. TERATOGEN 4. MULTIFACTORIAL 5. OTHER FIVE CAUSES OF BIRTH DEFECTS An Ounce of Prevention  2000, 2005 The Curators of the University of Missouri

FIVE CAUSES OF BIRTH DEFECTS 1. GENETIC: Humans have approximately 35,000 genes. When an individual gene is altered, a birth defect may result. Birth defects can be hereditary. 2. CHROMOSOMAL: A.Chromosome abnormalities can involve abnormal number or structure. B.The normal human chromosome number is 46. C.When a chromosome abnormality occurs, physical differences as well as learning problems result. An Ounce of Prevention  2000, 2005 The Curators of the University of Missouri

FIVE CAUSES OF BIRTH DEFECTS 3. TERATOGEN: Teratogens are agents that cause harm to the developing baby. They include drugs, maternal infections and environmental factors. In order to definitively diagnose teratogenic causes of birth defects, both genetic and chromosomal causes need to be ruled out. 4. MULTIFACTORIAL: Genetic and environmental factors that, when combined, result in a birth defect. 5. OTHER: Some birth defects occur even when the underlying developmental process is proceeding normally. An Ounce of Prevention  2000, 2005 The Curators of the University of Missouri

IMPACT OF BIRTH DEFECTS Emotional: Frightening, stressful and sad for the family. Family: Siblings can be adversely affected, stressors placed on the family, grandparents and extended family. Financial: Medical costs, lost productivity and/or missing work may result in economic burden.. Medical: Multiple doctor visits occur frequently. Societal: It is often overlooked that people with disabilities can contribute to society. An Ounce of Prevention  2000, 2005 The Curators of the University of Missouri

An Ounce of Prevention  2000, 2005 The Curators of the University of Missouri