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This does not mean that heredity does not play a part in birth defects. The role of heredity is certainly important in some birth defects. It is probably important in some degree in all birth defects. Environment is as important as heredity. Drug intake by the mother is a part of the physical environment of her unborn child There are about a dozen drugs today which apparently are related to malformations.
A number of new drugs act by blocking enzymes, the minute' orotein substances whose specific action is to promote chemical changes in the body. Therefore, while a drug might do the work it was designed for in the body of a pregnant woman, this same drug crosses through the placenta, and, in some instances, wrecks or disturbs the growth processes in the embryo or fetus. Thus, a malformed child is born.
What can a pregnant woman do to protect herself and her unborn child?
The National FoundationMarch of Dimes, which has embarked on a nationwide research program to find the causes, and preventives for a wide variety of birth defects, suggests this rule for any young wife who thinks she might be pregnant: Do not take any drugs at all—no pills, potions, elixirs, tablets, syrups—unless they are given to you by your doctor FOR USE AT THIS TIME. There are many instances where a physician will withhold a prescription for a certain drug if he thinks a woman is pregnant.
It is incredible how such a simple rule could be misinterpreted. Here are some of the questions women have asked me about this rule:
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