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Pregnancy checks plea
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CITY researchers yesterday called for greater awareness of pre-pregnancy and prenatal checks to reduce the number of babies born with congenital conditions.
Some 5.6 percent of children born in China each year — 900,000 babies — have a congenital disorder, compared to a global average of 2 to 3 percent, said officials.
Public awareness of prevention through pre-pregnancy and prenatal checks lags behind other countries, said officials from the Shanghai Children Health Foundation.
Early detection of conditions can allow for treatment before the woman becomes pregnant or while she is pregnant.
When conditions are detected and this is not an option, parents are advised and can choose to terminate the pregnancy.
The officials were speaking ahead of national congenital disorder prevention day on September 12.
The foundation announced that it is teaming up with leading local hospitals in a three-year education program to promote knowledge of congenital disorder prevention and early detection.
Doctors said that checks before pregnancy are the most effective measure for congenital disorder control.
However, less than 30 percent of couples in Shanghai planning to start a family go for a pre-pregnancy check.
“There are many causes of congenital deformity, including genetic reasons, infection, improper use of medication, unhealthy lifestyle and exposure to harmful materials,” said Dr Cheng Weiwei, vice president of the Shanghai International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital.
“Pre-pregnancy and prenatal intervention are key for congenital disorder prevention,” she added.
Currently, prenatal screening for Down Syndrome and for infections which can cause congenital disorders — such as HIV, hepatitis B and rubella — are available in the city.
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