|
Deformation
What is it?
When one or more parts of the body or organs are abnormally
formed.
Causes:
Deformations are more common in women who have an abnormally
shaped uterus, there are fibroids present, an inadequate amount
of amniotic fluid, those who are expecting twins, or in the case
of breech presentation, as all of these may place undue pressure
on certain parts of the developing baby's body.
Susceptibility
Approximately 2 in every 100 babies are born with a deformity
of some sort, but more so, to those mothers' suffering with any
of the above.
Related Symptoms:
This depends entirely on the site and severity of the
deformation.
Treatment:
In most cases, treatment is not necessary, however this again
depends on the severity of the problem.
Outlook:
In it's mild form, many do learn to live with their
deformity, while surgery or appropriate treatment will offer
relief to those who suffer with severe limb or organ
deformities.
Club Foot
What is it?
A congenital foot abnormality that affects 1 in 800 babies,
in either of the three forms:
Equinovarus: This being the most severe but least common
of the three, where the foot/feet twist in and downward, with
the toes facing each other.
Calcaneal valgus: A milder form, although the most common
type, where the foot points sharply upward and out.
Metatarsus varus: The mildest form of clubfoot, where the
front part of the foot turns inward.
Causes:
Some cases may be related to other diseases such as spina
bifida or be hereditary. Infection and certain types of drug
usage in the pregnant mother, may also contribute towards this
deformity.
Susceptibility
Boys are twice as likely to be affected, as opposed to girls.
The chances of children suffering with club foot is drastically
increased if one parent is affected. Identical twins stand a 30%
chance of both being affected.
Related Symptoms:
In it's mildest form, clubfoot may not be visible at birth,
with the child only showing symptoms when he is a few months
old. Clubfoot is not painful to the child, although he will
experience difficulty in standing and walking.
Treatment:
Mild cases of clubfoot can be effectively treated through
exercise alone, while severe cases will need to be corrected
through surgery or the wearing of plaster casts. Following
surgery, the child will be required to wear splints at night
until he is 18 months old. The splints are specially designed
and fitted by an orthopaedic specialist, where they will be
adjusted to keep the child's feet in the best position for
proper development.
Outlook:
By receiving early medical treatment, the child will most likely
go on to lead an active life.
Cleft lip and/or palate
What is it?
This occurs when parts of the upper lip or palate fail to grow
together. This condition can vary in severity, although 40% of
affected babies do tend to suffer with both a cleft lip and
palate.
Causes:
Heredity seems to play the greatest role, but other factors
such as, disease, drugs and malnutrition are also believed to
hamper the normal development of the child's lip and palate
while in the womb.
Susceptibility
Your chances of having a cleft baby are increased if you have
already given birth to one with the same condition. This
deformity is also more common in premature babies, Asians and
those suffering with other abnormalities.
Related Symptoms:
Feeding is the main problem in this case, as babies tend to
have difficulty in sucking, and special measures will have to be
taken to ensure that the child is meeting her nutritional needs.
Infection of the ears is also a common symptom.
Treatment:
A combination of surgery, speech therapy, support and
counselling will usually remedy the problem.
Outlook:
Although there may always be scarring present, most affected
persons do recover completely.
Back to Birth Defects
|
