Everything You Need to Know About Birth Defects

According to the CDC, every 1 in 33 babies in the United States each year will be born with a birth defect. This concerning data raises questions on why birth defects occur in the first place.

While some birth defects are genetic, other birth defects can be caused by certain triggers. Therefore, if you’re a parent expecting a newborn baby, it’s important to be aware of how birth defects can come about.

This article will teach you everything you need to know about birth defects.

Genetic Defects

First, we’ll go over genetic birth defects. These birth defects are inherited from one or both of the offspring’s parents.

Dwarfism or achondroplasia is one common example of a genetic defect that causes an abnormally short height and other physical deformities. Dwarfism occurs when the baby inherits two mutated genes from both parents.

Chromosomal Defects

Chromosomal birth defects are a result of a chromosome abnormality. Many chromosomal birth defects can be detected on an ultrasound before birth.

Down syndrome is among the most common types of chromosomal birth defects and occurs due to an extra No. 21 chromosome. This leads to different physical features and intellectual and developmental disabilities for the baby.

Having a pregnancy past the age of 34 can also increase the risk of Down syndrome in babies.

Oral/Facial Birth Defects

Oral/facial birth defects are often caused by environmental factors such as drinking, smoking, malnutrition, or certain medical conditions. Fetal alcohol syndrome can also cause these facial deformities.

One of the most common oral/facial birth defects is a cleft lip or a cleft palate. A cleft lip is when a slit goes through the baby’s upper lip. A cleft palate is when the slit goes through the baby’s roof of the mouth.

Heart Defects

Congenital heart defects are another very common type of birth defect that range from mild to severe. These heart defects are caused by environmental and/or genetic factors.

A ventricular septal defect is the most commonly diagnosed heart defect in infants, resulting in a hole in the septum which divides both heart chambers. While this can sometimes be mild enough to heal on its own, surgery is often needed in severe cases.

Musculoskeletal Defects

Musculoskeletal defects impact the bones and muscles of a newborn baby. These defects also have a mild or severe effect on the child and can be caused by family history, abnormal genes, or environmental factors.

Clubfoot is a common type of musculoskeletal defect, which results in a twisted foot deformity. Muscular dystrophy is a rare, but more serious type of musculoskeletal defect which causes a child to consistently lose muscle mass, often leading to wheelchair use and a short life span.

Preventing Birth Defects

This guide taught you about the different types of birth defects and the specific factors that cause them. While some birth defects are simply unpreventable, it’s important to know the triggers to do everything you can to ensure your child is healthy.

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