Birth defects - trisomy disorders
A trisomy is a chromosomal disorder characterised by an additional chromosome. Down syndrome, Edward syndrome and Patau syndrome are the most common forms of trisomy in Victoria. Maternal serum screening, amniocentesis, ultrasounds and chorionic ... [... more]
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Spina bifida explained
Spina bifida is one of a class of birth defects, called neural tube defects. These defects involve damage to the spine and spinal cord. Some vertebrae of the spine don't close properly during pregnancy and the spinal cord's nerves are exposed and ... [... more]
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Birth defects - drugs and medications
Taking drugs while pregnant can be cause birth defects. Drugs such as alcohol, some illegal drugs like cocaine, and some prescription and over-the-counter medications including isotretinoin, vitamin A and some antibiotics are known to cause birth ... [... more]
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Birth defects - ambiguous genitalia
Ambiguous genitalia (also known as atypical genitalia) is a birth defect (or birth variation) of the sex organs that makes it unclear whether an affected newborn is a girl or boy. This condition occurs approximately once in every 4,500 births. ... [... more]
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Births in Victoria 2003-2004
Births in Victoria are recorded by the Victorian Perinatal Data Collection Unit (VPDCU), which maintains a database on perinatal (birth) outcomes and birth defects. The Commonwealth government collates data from all states on births. Until 1978, ... [... more]
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Farm safety - handling chemicals
Chemicals on the farm are dangerous. Common agricultural chemicals include pesticides, herbicides and strychnine. Exposure to chemicals can lead to health effects including headache, poisoning, burns and birth defects. Always follow the ... [... more]
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Birth defects - heart abnormalities
A congenital heart defect (CHD) is present at birth. Congenital heart defects include ventricular septal defect, transposition of the great vessels, coarctation of aorta, tetralogy of Fallot and hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Some defects are ... [... more]
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FetalAlcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
Alcohol drunk by mothers during pregnancy can seriously affect the health and development of their unborn children. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is the biggest preventable cause of birth defects and brain damage in unborn children. There is no ... [... more]
Child & Youth Health |
Birth defects - central nervous system
Neural tube defects include spina bifida, anencephaly and encephalocele. Folate deficiency and some epilepsy medications are risk factors for neural tube defects. Taking folic acid before and during pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of ... [... more]
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Birth defects - digestive tract
Birth defects of the digestive tract include oesophageal atresia (obstruction of the oesophagus) and imperforate anus (malformations of the anus). Most babies born with oesophageal atresia also have tracheo-oesophageal fistula, which means the ... [... more]
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Birth defects - urinary system
Common birth defects of the urinary system include hypospadias (urethral opening on the underside of the penis), obstructive defects of the renal pelvis (blocked ureters) and renal agenesis (missing kidney or kidneys). The urinary system consists ... [... more]
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Birth defects - the abdomen
Birth defects of the abdomen include diaphragmatic hernia (organs protrude into the chest cavity), exomphalos (organs protrude through the navel) and gastroschisis (organs protrude through the abdominal wall). The organs of the digestive system - ... [... more]
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