Chapter 42, Problem 1BS.1QC

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The reason why it is likely that the actual rate of birth defects is higher than what is reported.

Introduction:

Congenital disorders are those disorders that occur at the time of birth. In U.S. it is a clinical fact that one out of thirty three children have this defect. The reason for the occurrence of these defects can be attributed to genetic defects or the defects in the chromosomes.

Explanation of Solution

One of the main reasons for the occurrence of these defects can be malpractices done by a pregnant lady like consumption of alcohol, drugs, and some others. The genetic defects can occur due changes in the genes by the consumption of such aforementioned activities. So, in order that these defects may not occur in babies women should avoid these malpractices because this led to a very serious and drastic affect on the health of both- mother and fetus.

Fetus grows in the womb of mother, so it directly affected by the food intake, the consumables and the activities of mother. These defects can be reduced by some tests that are conducted before the implantation of the embryo on the uterine wall like testing of egg and embryo.

The actual rate of birth defects is higher than the previous reports which are due to the infections in children. The present day new born children have less immune power as a result of which if any pathogen attacks their body then their immune system is not capable enough to combat and eliminate the pathogen.

Due to weak immune system they fell ill and diseased by the attack of pathogens. Measure to control this situation is to provide vaccines and booster doses to the children in order to strengthen their immune system.

Conclusion

The reason why it is likely that the actual rate of birth defects is higher than what is reported is that women take alcohols, illegal drugs, smoke, and perform various wrong practices due to which their children have weak immune system and many congenital defects.