Changes

Birth defects may be caused by nutritional deficiencies of the mother and can be avoided by ensuring a good diet with supplemental vitamins and minerals and also by avoiding [[alcohol]] and [[tobacco]]. [[Folic acid]] is a common supplement.

Birth defects may be caused by nutritional deficiencies of the mother and can be avoided by ensuring a good diet with supplemental vitamins and minerals and also by avoiding [[alcohol]] and [[tobacco]]. [[Folic acid]] is a common supplement.

There are potential birth defects that are genetic , and tests may be available to detect the condition in the womb or to test the parents and predict a potential risk if conception occurs. The parents can then assess the risk factors and decide to plan or avoid a pregnancy.  

There are potential birth defects that are genetic, and tests may be available to detect the condition in the womb or to test the parents and predict a potential risk if conception occurs. The parents can then assess the risk factors and decide to plan or avoid a pregnancy.  

In the 1960's many birth defects were also caused by the usage of Thalidomide, a hypnotic drug administered to motheres to ease their pain during birth.The useage of this drug caused various defects, the majority of cases being deformities of the arms and legs.

In the 1960's many birth defects were also caused by the usage of Thalidomide, a hypnotic drug administered to mothers to ease their pain during birth.The usage of this drug caused various defects, the majority of cases being deformities of the arms and legs.

== References ==     

== References ==     

* http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/ill/birth_defects.html

* http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/ill/birth_defects.html