Birth Defects (2024)

FAQs

What is the number 1 birth defect? ›

The most common birth defects are: heart defects. cleft lip/palate. Down syndrome.

There are certain types of birth conditions that don't appear on prenatal imaging tests such as an ultrasound, including these types: Degenerative disorders also known as Rett syndrome and muscular dystrophy. Sensory conditions: also known as hearing loss and blindness.

About 1 in 33 babies (about 3 percent) is born with a birth defect in the United States each year. Some birth defects don't need treatment or can be treated easily. But other birth defects need quick treatment because they cause serious problems or even death.

Listen to them talk about how they are really feeling. Share your thoughts when you are asked and remind them that you will always be there for them. Say what you know is true, even if it makes you feel vulnerable. Instead of trying to make them feel better with clichés that have little meaning, say what is true.

About one in every 33 babies is born with a birth defect. Although not all birth defects can be prevented, people can increase their chances of having a healthy baby by managing health conditions and adopting healthy behaviors before becoming pregnant.

Congenital heart conditions. Chromosome abnormalities (Down syndrome). Clubfoot. Fetal alcohol syndrome.

The first trimester is the most crucial to your baby's development. During this period, your baby's body structure and organ systems develop. Most miscarriages and birth defects occur during this period. Your body also undergoes major changes during the first trimester.

Genetic causes of birth defects fall into three general categories: chromosomal abnormalities, single-gene defects, and multifactorial influences. Prenatal environment can play a major role in the development of defects in all three categories, especially those linked to multifactorial causes.

Intellectual disability and hearing loss are both examples of functional defects. The chart also shows the location of the most common birth defects that can occur during each week. In general, major birth defects of the body and internal organs are more likely to happen between 3 to 12 embryonic/fetal weeks.

Who is more prone to birth defects? ›

Known risks

Smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking certain drugs during pregnancy. Having certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes. Taking certain medications, such as isotretinoin (used to treat acne). Having someone in your family with a birth defect.

The mother or father may pass on genetic abnormalities to their baby. Genetic abnormalities occur when a gene becomes flawed due to a mutation, or change. In some cases, a gene or part of a gene might be missing. These defects happen at conception and often can't be prevented.

Some birth defects can't be cured. These include defects that cause learning or thinking problems. But many physical birth defects can be treated with surgery. Repair is possible for many birth defects, including cleft lip or cleft palate, and certain heart defects.

The terms birth defect and congenital anomaly are most commonly used and often used interchangeably.

The most common severe congenital disorders are heart defects, neural tube defects and Down syndrome. Although congenital disorders may be the result of one or more genetic, infectious, nutritional or environmental factors, it is often difficult to identify the exact causes. Some congenital disorders can be prevented.

Researchers think that most birth defects are caused by a complex mix of factors, which can include: Genetics. One or more genes might have a change or mutation that prevents them from working properly. For example, this happens in Fragile X syndrome.

Congenital heart defects are the most common type of birth defect in the United States, affecting nearly 1 percent of, or about 40,000, births per year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.