First degree cousins who marry and bears a child increases possible risks and complications to their offspring.
According to a study, marrying a close family member may cause birth defects to offspring due to a number of complications and abnormalities in the hormones.
A study was conducted between to 2007 and 2011 wherein 11,000 births in Bradford, UK were tested to see the relationship between being first cousins and acquiring birth abnormalities.
Of the 11,000 respondents, 2,000 were reported to be born to parents who also happen to be first cousins.
Results showed that 6% of the babies were at serious risk for congenital birth defects. This reflects around 3% in risk across the general population in Pakistan.
According to history, there are many countries and nations around the world that practice Consanguinity. This is known as a social trend wherein first cousin marriages are not only allowed but also encouraged.
Most common cultures include the Middle East, West Asia and North Africa.
Eammon Sheridan from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom said that "relatively, the risks for acquiring serious birth defects are small at 3% to 6%". However, this should still be a cause for alarm.
Another study was conducted wherein older mothers around the age of 34 were tested to see whether older pregnancy age can also cause serious birth abnormalities to offsprings.
The study also showed very little birth defects.
Neil Small from the University of Bradford and co-author of the study said that "there is a need to provide clear and substantial information to help inform local communities included in these risks to be able to provide them with the best planning and healthcare services".
