Increase awareness among mothers

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 103 views

Analysis of Mother with Baby Congenital Disorders Treated at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan in January 2012 - August 2018

Introduction

Congenital abnormalities are one of the leading causes of death and disability in infants under the age of five. According to estimates made by March of Dimes (MOD), every year about 6% of infants worldwide are born with various defects or congenital conditions. The causative factors can come from genetic and environmental factors. In this context, this study aims to analyze the characteristics of mothers who give birth to babies with congenital abnormalities, explore maternal factors that contribute to the incidence of these disorders, and document the profile of abnormalities experienced by the baby.

Background

Congenital abnormalities are a significant public health concern, affecting millions of infants worldwide. The causes of these abnormalities are multifactorial, including genetic and environmental factors. In this study, we aim to investigate the characteristics of mothers who give birth to babies with congenital abnormalities and explore the maternal factors that contribute to the incidence of these disorders.

Research Methodology

This study uses a descriptive-analytic method, which involves interviews with 60 mothers who have given birth to babies with congenital abnormalities. The data obtained is also supported by a baby medical record that has disabilities, which is collected from January 2012 to August 2018. The data analysis process is carried out using SPSS IBM version 22 to get accurate and reliable results.

Research Results

Of the 60 mothers who became the sample of the research, it was found that 50% of them were in the age range of 21-30 years during conception. Most (60%) are housewives and 38.3% are multigravida, namely mothers who have given birth more than once. Most of them have revenue under the provincial minimum wage (55%) and a low level of education, namely elementary school (28.3%).

Another interesting thing, 63.3% of mothers reported that they used pregnancy vitamins in the first trimester, and 38.3% of them made the first prenatal visit in the same trimester. In addition, 45% of the mother underwent an ultrasonographic examination more than four times during pregnancy.

The most common abnormalities in infants are gastroskizis, hydrocephalus, omfalocele, spina bifida, and hirschprung. Significantly, the husband's age when conception also contributes to the types of congenital disorders experienced by babies, and is influenced by factors such as maternal age, the use of pregnancy vitamins, income level, parity, prenatal visits, and husband's smoking status.

Analysis of the Husband's Age and the Incidence of Congenital Abnormalities

The results showed that there was a significant influence between the husband's age during conception with congenital abnormalities. Each old husband's age is related to an increased risk of gastrointestinal system abnormalities, central nervous system, as well as congenital multiple abnormalities, with an adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) each is 2,328, 2,389, and 2,955. This emphasizes the importance of paternal factors in reproductive health and the possibility of baby birth with abnormalities.

Conclusion

This study reveals that there is still a low awareness among mothers to undergo ultrasonographic examination as an early screening of congenital abnormalities in the second trimester of pregnancy. In addition, this study also shows that the age of paternal during conception, along with several other factors such as the age of the mother, the use of pregnancy vitamins, the level of income, and the husband's smoking status, has a significant impact on the occurrence of congenital abnormalities in infants. This finding can be an important reference for increasing attention to the health of the mother and baby, as well as increasing access and awareness of appropriate prenatal examinations.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Increase awareness among mothers about the importance of undergoing ultrasonographic examination as an early screening of congenital abnormalities in the second trimester of pregnancy.
Improve access to prenatal care for all pregnant women, particularly those with low income and low education level.
Increase awareness among husbands about the importance of their age during conception and the potential impact on the occurrence of congenital abnormalities in infants.
Conduct further research on the causes of congenital abnormalities and the role of paternal factors in reproductive health.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The sample size of this study is relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Selection bias: The sample of this study may be biased towards mothers who have given birth to babies with congenital abnormalities, which may not be representative of the general population.
Data collection method: The data collection method used in this study is based on interviews and medical records, which may be subject to recall bias and other limitations.

Future Directions

This study provides a foundation for further research on the causes of congenital abnormalities and the role of paternal factors in reproductive health. Future studies should aim to:

Investigate the causes of congenital abnormalities in more detail, including the role of genetic and environmental factors.
Examine the impact of paternal factors on the occurrence of congenital abnormalities in infants.
Develop and implement effective interventions to reduce the incidence of congenital abnormalities and improve reproductive health outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Congenital Abnormalities

Q: What are congenital abnormalities?

A: Congenital abnormalities are birth defects that occur during fetal development, often before the baby is born. These abnormalities can affect various parts of the body, including the heart, brain, limbs, and other organs.

Q: What are the common causes of congenital abnormalities?

A: The causes of congenital abnormalities are multifactorial, including genetic and environmental factors. Some of the common causes include:

Genetic mutations or chromosomal abnormalities
Exposure to toxins or chemicals during pregnancy
Infections during pregnancy
Poor maternal health or nutrition during pregnancy
Family history of birth defects

Q: What are the risk factors for congenital abnormalities?

A: Some of the risk factors for congenital abnormalities include:

Advanced maternal age (over 35 years)
Family history of birth defects
Previous history of miscarriage or stillbirth
Exposure to toxins or chemicals during pregnancy
Poor maternal health or nutrition during pregnancy

Q: How can congenital abnormalities be prevented?

A: While some congenital abnormalities cannot be prevented, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk:

Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle during pregnancy
Avoiding exposure to toxins or chemicals during pregnancy
Getting regular prenatal care and screenings
Managing underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension
Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption during pregnancy

Q: What are the symptoms of congenital abnormalities?

A: The symptoms of congenital abnormalities can vary depending on the type and severity of the defect. Some common symptoms include:

Abnormal physical appearance or growth
Developmental delays or disabilities
Respiratory or cardiac problems
Neurological or sensory impairments
Gastrointestinal or genitourinary problems

Q: How are congenital abnormalities diagnosed?

A: Congenital abnormalities can be diagnosed through various methods, including:

Prenatal ultrasound or other imaging tests
Amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
Fetal echocardiogram or other cardiac tests
Genetic testing or chromosomal analysis
Physical examination and medical history

Q: What are the treatment options for congenital abnormalities?

A: The treatment options for congenital abnormalities depend on the type and severity of the defect. Some common treatment options include:

Surgery or other medical interventions
Physical therapy or occupational therapy
Speech or language therapy
Educational or behavioral interventions
Medications or other supportive care

Q: What is the prognosis for children with congenital abnormalities?

A: The prognosis for children with congenital abnormalities varies depending on the type and severity of the defect. Some children may experience significant developmental delays or disabilities, while others may have a more favorable outcome with proper treatment and support.

Q: How can families cope with the diagnosis of a congenital abnormality?

A: Families can cope with the diagnosis of a congenital abnormality by:

Seeking support from healthcare providers, support groups, or online resources
Educating themselves about the condition and available treatment options
Building a support network of family, friends, and caregivers
Focusing on the child's strengths and abilities
Seeking counseling or therapy to address emotional or psychological needs

Q: What are the long-term implications of congenital abnormalities?

A: The long-term implications of congenital abnormalities can vary depending on the type and severity of the defect. Some children may experience ongoing medical or developmental challenges, while others may have a more favorable outcome with proper treatment and support.

Q: How can healthcare providers support families with congenital abnormalities?

A: Healthcare providers can support families with congenital abnormalities by:

Providing accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment options
Offering emotional and psychological support
Connecting families with support groups or online resources
Fostering a collaborative and patient-centered approach to care
Encouraging open communication and education about the condition and available treatment options.