Birth Defects

There are many types of birth defects and a definition would include a condition that is apparent at birth.

These conditions can range from minor problems easily fixed with surgery or life style, to major birth defects that can include structural changes in one or more parts of the body and that have adverse effect on health, development, or functional ability.

Current statistics show that birth defects account for more than one of every five infant deaths, and that about one in every 33 babies is born with a birth defect.

A child born with a birth defect is more likely to have a serious illness or long-term disability than children born without birth defects. The primary causes for birth defects are:

1. Have been attributed to hereditary and genetic disorders.
2. Can be due to the lack of specific vitamins and care during a woman’s pregnancy.
3. Can be caused as a side effect of some prescription medicines that were taken during a pregnancy and turned out to cause defects. For instance Paxil has been proven to be harmful to the human fetus, leading to heart defects and can be the root cause of pulmonary hypertension in infants.
4. The occurrence of bodily injury or hyper-tension during the pregnancy can cause defects in the unborn child.
5. An increased risk of birth defects can occur with obesity and diabetes in the mother.

Home Remedies for Birth Defects:

This is such a broad field and there are many types of birth defects, with many natural things that can provide effective relief or help to those suffering with the problems.

Not all but some birth defects can be prevented. A woman can take specific steps to increase the chance of having a baby with the best health possible.

Natural Prevention:

There are things that a woman can do before and during pregnancy to increase her chance of having a healthy baby. These things include:

1. Take 400 mcg of folic acid every day, starting at least one month before getting pregnant.
2. Seeking good and consistent prenatal care.
3. Avoid street-drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes or any type of tobacco or smoking/chewing products during your pregnancy. If the pregnancy is planned, then speak to your doctor about how much time you should plan to abstain before you get pregnant.
4. Talk to your health care provider before taking any prescribed medications if you plan to get pregnant. This includes things you are already taking, new prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and dietary or herbal supplements. There are many things that have been identified that will increase the chance of you having a baby born with birth defects.
5. Also talk to a doctor before stopping any medications that are needed to treat health conditions.

Herbal Remedies to Improve Heart and Brain Function:

Often a child born with birth defects can be given herbal remedies that will improve the strength and functioning ability of the heart and brain.

These herbals help stimulate natural enzymes in the body and build up strength. One such remedy is Indian Ginseng or “Ashwagandha” which has been proven to help boost the brains memory power and over all body stamina.

Brahmi or Bacopa Monniera, is an herbal leaf formula which also helps improve overall brain functions and helps strengthen the coronary systems.