Gynaecologist Blames Birth Defects On Drug Abuse

A gynaecologist with the Calvary Medical Hospital, Ayobo, Lagos, Dr Adeyemi Ayayi, has attributed birth defects to lack of folic acid, indiscriminate use of drugs, infection and old age.

Ajayi told newsmen in Lagos that birth defects were either physical or mental problem in child at birth.

According to him, such defects can manifest as hare hip, club foot, crossed eye, an extra finger or toe, among others.

He urged pregnant women to avoid drugs that not recommended by their doctors as the drugs might cause mental retardation or defects in the baby.

“Pregnant women should use only the drugs that are recommended by their doctors as self medication can make a baby to be deformed, deaf or blind,” he said.

He said that deformity in a baby could also be caused by lack of folic acid in her diet such as eating food rich in protein, vitamin and mineral.

“Folic acid can be obtained by eating dark green leafy food, meat, orange, fruits and liver, lack of these may cause defect in a baby.

“Adequate intake of folic acid during pregnancy helps protect against birth defects,” he said.

He said that infection during pregnancy could cause a variety of birth defects, infection such as measles, chicken pot and tuberculosis.

“Infection during pregnancy poses a serious hazard to the developing baby which can cause a rage of defects,” he said.

Ajayi said that women who were above 35 years of age have a greater chance of giving birth to a defects baby.