Causes of Fetal Malformations

A malformed infant refers to a baby born with obvious structural abnormalities. The causes of malformations are varied and mainly include the following aspects: 1. Genetic factors: Chromosomal abnormalities or gene mutations are significant causes of malformations. For example, Down syndrome and certain inherited genetic disorders can lead to fetal malformations. Genetic influences often occur when parents or ancestors carry abnormal genes. 2. Environmental factors: Exposure to harmful environmental factors during pregnancy, such as certain medications, chemicals, or radiation, may cause abnormal fetal development. Additionally, maternal infections or diseases, such as rubella or syphilis, may also affect fetal development. 3. Nutritional factors: Poor nutrition during pregnancy or deficiency in certain key nutrients, such as insufficient folic acid intake, may increase the risk of malformations. Imbalanced nutrition negatively affects the normal development of the fetus. If signs of malformation are detected in an infant, prompt medical attention should be sought.