Historical Notes

From the dawn of human history until quite recent decades, in the absence of scientific understanding about the basis of the nature and causes of birth defects, the occurrence of birth defects was believed to result from the action of supernatural forces, hybridization with animals, maternal impressions, celestial bodies, and as the manifestations of evil, and as the sign of displeasure and warning message of admonition from gods. Pregnant women and fathers used to pray to the spiritual world when they were looking forward to the birth of a healthy child [1].