Birth Defects – Skeletal system

As the fetus develops in the wombs, its bony skeleton first appears as soft cartilage, which hardens into bone before birth. The calcium content of the mother’s diet aids the fetus in bone formation and in the development of the normal human skeleton. Thus the basic skeletal structure of an individual is formed before is birth. In some instances, the bones of the fetus develop abnormally; such defects are usually noticeable soon after delivery.

The causes of skeletal birth defects are not always known. Some may be due to hereditary factors: others have been traced to the mother’s exposure to X-rays atomic, radiation, chemicals, drugs, or to disease during pregnancy. Among the more common birth defects are extra fingers, toes or ribs or missing fingers, hands, toes, feet, or limbs. Sections of spine may be fused joints can hinder the motion of limbs. The sections of the skull may unite prematurely, retarding the growth of the brain.

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