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2	CARESS Congenital Abnormalities Registry, Education and Surveillance System
3	What is a Congenital Abnormality It is a condition that occurs during the baby’s development. It could affect how the body looks, works or both. It may be found during pregnancy, at birth or a few years after birth.
4	How can it be recognized Some are easily recognized, while others can only be identified by specialized testing. The abnormality can range from mild to severe, even ending in death.
5	Neural Tube Defects Birth defects that affect the brain or spine Most common are Spina Bifida and Anencephaly Develop between the 17^th and 30^th day after conception Occur when the neural tube does not close properly
6	Spina Bifida Occurs when lower end of neural tube fails to close Spinal cord and backbones do not develop properly
7	Anencephaly Fatal condition Brain does not develop completely or is entirely absent Statistics WV
8	Congenital Heart Defects At least 8 out of every 1000 infants born a year have a heart defect Means inborn or existing at birth Heart or blood vessels near the heart do not develop normally Some may not be detected until childhood
9	Prevention Before Pregnancy Many birth defects occur before a woman even realizes she is pregnant. Since almost half of all pregnancies are unplanned, birth defects prevention measures should be in place at all times to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
10	Folic Acid This is essential for all ages. It helps forms and repair the cells in the body. It is especially important for women who may become pregnant. Folic acid helps form the baby’s spinal cord and brain.
11	Sources Of Folic Acid
12	Folic Acid Statistics Currently one 1 in 3 women take a multivitamin with folic acid Can prevent 50% - 70% of all Neural Tube Defects
13	Risk Factors Not taking folic acid Smoking Drinking Drugs Harmful chemicals Diabetes
14	Smoking
15	Drugs
16	Obesity Obese women can develop gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease Metabolic diseases Increase chances of certain defects, such as omphalocele (intestines protruding through naval)
17	Alcohol
18	What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome? A term used to describe a range of permanent mental and physical birth defects caused by drinking during pregnancy.
19	Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Mental Retardation Delayed physical and mental development Behavioral, reasoning and learning difficulties Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Hearing loss
20	Symptoms of FAS Nervous system damage Growth delay Abnormal facial features Accurate information that the child’s mother drank during pregnancy
21	For A Health Baby See Doctor Before Getting Pregnancy Control Medical Concerns (Obesity, Diabetes) Don’t Smoke Don’t Drink Don’t Take Illegal Drugs Take 400 mg Folic Acid Daily