Conceive your healthy baby naturally
Dr Judy Ford helps couples trying to conceive
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Conceive your healthy baby naturally Dr Judy Ford helps couples trying to conceive |
Congenital abnormality
Congenital means 'from the beginning'. The term thus applies to abnormalities of development or function that are present at the time of birth. Abnormalities arise in a number of ways. Most are due to a genetic or developmental problem present from the time of conception and often due to an abnormality in the sperm or egg prior to conception. The second type usually fall under the group called teratogenesis - this is where a normal embryo is exposed to a drug, chemical or chemical imbalance during its development. Occasionally teratogenesis can occur in response to a late and sudden exposure - cocaine, for example, can cause immediate amputation of a baby's limbs and this only requires a single exposure close to birth.
Premature babies can be born with abnormalities that occur because development is not complete. It is important to minimise the risk of premature labour.
Is there a lifestyle cause?
Some congenital abnormalities occur because of inherited genetic traits. All abnormalities should be investigated thoroughly and a proper diagnosis found. However just because a problem has a genetic cause it is not necessarily inherited. Many genetic changes occur only in a single egg or sperm. It is important to look into lifestyle for possible exposures to radiation and/or chemical mutagens. It is also necessary to look for dietary deficiencies and imbalances.
The risk of prematurity is greatly reduced by attention to dental health during pregnancy.
For specific advice visit the ez-fertility natural fertility resources and either answer the online lifestyle evaluation or read It takes two - reproducing naturally today.
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Site revised and relaunched January 2010