While planning a pregnancy, it is important that aspiring mothers take care of their health as this can reduce certain birth defects, according to paediatrician Victor Grech.

“Make sure you are healthy and before you become pregnant speak to an obstetrician who will probably tell you to take folic acid, which can drastically reduce the incidence of spina bifida [a congenital disorder],” he said.

“Cut down on, and, if possible, eliminate, alcohol consumption and stop smoking. If you have a poor diet, the obstetrician will recommend you take a multivitamin preparation. Unfortunately, most people don’t prepare for pregnancy,” Prof. Grech added.

According to figures released by the Directorate for Health Information and Research, a baby with one or more major birth defects is born in Malta every three days.

The figures were issued to mark the first World Birth Defects Day yesterday, aimed at raising the awareness of birth defects and help people understand the issues families and affected children face.

Major congenital anomalies, or birth defects, occur at the rate of three per cent of all births or one in every 33 babies born. In Malta, in the 10-year period between 2003 and 2012, birth defects led to 104 infant deaths, or 43.5 per cent of the total number.

However, it is important to keep in mind that since Malta prohibits abortion, the infant death rate is higher when compared to other countries where abortion was allowed, a directorate spokeswoman said.

The most common anomalies were congenital heart defects, of which 480 cases were reported over the 10 years. Prof. Grech said this should not be cause for alarm since figures show that one per cent of babies are born with some form of heart defect but the majority of cases are not serious.

Heart defects are followed by limb defects (149 over 10 years), genital defects (141) and chromosomal defects (115).

The directorate noted that children who survive can suffer lifelong disabilities, imposing a high burden on the affected individual, the family and the community.

“Although several congenital anomalies have no known cause, today we know that exposure to, for example, certain medications and alcohol may lead to certain birth defects,” the directorate said.

It said methods of primary prevention were available. These include: maintaining healthy nutrition, preconception folic acid supplementation, control of maternal infections and chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes and epilepsy.

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to foetal alcohol syndrome, which results in physical and mental defects in the baby.

Smoking can lead to low birth weight or premature babies.