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World Birth Defects Day is observed every year on 3 March to raise awareness about the types and causes of birth defects, their impact on individuals and families, and prevention strategies. The day provides a platform for collaboration between health professionals, researchers, policy makers and communities to address the challenges associated with birth defects. (Also Read | Congenital Heart Defects Awareness Day 2024: Date, Significance, Types of Congenital Heart Defects)
Birth defects can affect any part of the body and develop at any stage of pregnancy, but the first three months are considered critical. They may affect the functioning or appearance of the body and may or may not affect a person’s longevity.
Birth defects can be found during pregnancy until after birth, most often within the first year. While the causes of many birth defects remain unknown, some may be caused by alcohol consumption, smoking, certain medical conditions, medications, or certain infections during pregnancy.
Every year, 3-6% of infants worldwide are born with severe birth defects, while in India more than 1.7 million babies are born with birth defects annually. Birth defects include physical deformities such as cleft lip or palate, and chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, congenital heart disease, or congenital deafness.
History of World Birth Defects Day
World Birth Defects Day, established in 2015, arose from an overall initiative by WHO-SEARO and CDC-USA following a 2010 World Health Assembly resolution. Since its inception, global and national organizations come together on March 3 every year to raise awareness and emphasize the importance of monitoring, prevention, and treatment of birth defects. This annual day reaffirms WHO-SEARO’s commitment to supporting Member States in tackling the social impact of common birth defects through education and action.
prevention of birth defects
Although it is difficult to know the cause of some birth defects, many defects can be prevented by vaccination, adequate intake of folic acid, iodine, following healthy lifestyle measures and avoiding smoking and alcohol.
According to the CDC, here are tips that can help avoid birth defects.
- Take 400 mcg of folic acid every day, preferably starting a month before getting pregnant.
- Do not drink alcohol or smoke.
- Be proactive in identifying and treating fever when you get sick or after getting a vaccine. Avoid hot tubs, saunas or other environments that may cause overheating.
- Know how to avoid infections during pregnancy.
- Always ask your doctor about any medications you are taking or thinking about taking.
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