Prevention of Congenital Anomalies and the Roles of Healthcare Professionals

Abstract

Congenital anomalies including genetic diseases contribute a significant proportion of infant morbidity and mortality and affect many parents and families. Every year 2-6% of newborns are born worldwide with major congenital anomalies and the majority of identified causes of congenital anomalies are nonhereditary and preventable. Theoretically, some of the risk to the developing fetus can be eliminated by avoiding exposure to the agent or manipulating the fetal environment. The main preventive measures recommended are expansion of rubella immunization, access to family planning programs that include the encouragement to complete reproduction before 35 years of age, periconceptional supplementation of folic acid, iodization of salt, and access to adequate prenatal care, including nutrition, control of maternal infections and avoidance of teratogens.