Foetal Abnormalities: A Public Health Perspective

Context:

Published on March 26, 2025, this article from The Hindu addresses foetal abnormalities, or congenital disorders, as a pressing health issue in India and globally. With congenital anomalies contributing significantly to neonatal mortality, understanding their causes, detection, and prevention is crucial for improving maternal and child health outcomes, a key focus area for national health policies.

Key Information Points:

• Definition: Foetal abnormalities (congenital anomalies/disorders/defects) are structural or functional issues developing during pregnancy, affecting a foetus’s body parts or functions.
• Global Prevalence: WHO estimates 6% of newborns worldwide (hundreds of thousands) are affected annually, though unreported cases (stillbirths, terminations) may increase this figure.
• India’s Burden: Congenital anomalies are a major public health concern in India, contributing to a significant share of neonatal deaths, though exact prevalence is underreported.
• Types and Impact: Can affect heart, brain, limbs, or organs; range from mild (e.g., cleft lip) to severe (e.g., spina bifida), potentially causing stillbirth or lifelong disability.
• Causes:
• • Genetic: Inherited mutations or chromosomal issues (e.g., Down Syndrome).
  • Environmental: Exposure to alcohol, drugs, radiation, or infections (rubella, Zika).
  • Maternal Health: Uncontrolled diabetes, folic acid deficiency linked to neural tube defects.
  • Unknown: Many cases lack a clear cause.
• Detection Methods:
• • Ultrasound Scans: Identifies structural anomalies prenatally.
  • Genetic Testing: Detects chromosomal abnormalities.
  • Maternal Blood Tests: Screens for risk indicators.
  • Preconception Screening: Assesses parental risk of passing disorders.
  • Peri-conception Screening: Evaluates maternal health for tailored care.
  • Neonatal Screening: Detects issues in newborns for early intervention.
• Treatment Options:
• • Surgical: Corrects conditions like cleft lip, congenital heart defects, or spina bifida.
  • Medical Management: Medications/supportive therapies for Down Syndrome, metabolic disorders.
  • Physical Therapy: Enhances mobility in limb/neurological cases.
• Prevention Strategies:
• • Healthy lifestyle during pregnancy (avoiding alcohol, harmful drugs).
  • Folic acid supplementation to prevent neural tube defects.
  • Rubella vaccination to reduce infection-related risks.
• Challenges in India: Limited awareness, inadequate prenatal care access, and underreporting hinder effective management.
• Policy Relevance: Prioritizing prenatal care and early diagnosis can reduce the burden, aligning with national health goals for maternal and child welfare.

Key Terms:

• Congenital Anomalies: Structural or functional defects present at birth.
• Neural Tube Defects: Birth defects of the brain/spine from incomplete neural tube closure.
• Down Syndrome: Genetic disorder from an extra chromosome 21, causing developmental issues.
• Cleft Lip: A split in the upper lip due to incomplete tissue fusion during pregnancy.
• Spina Bifida: Spinal defect from incomplete closure, exposing nerves.
• Prenatal Care: Medical care during pregnancy to monitor foetal health.
• Neonatal Mortality: Death of a newborn within the first 28 days of life.

Link To The Original Article – https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/all-you-need-to-know-about-foetal-abnormalities/article69376727.ece