Birth defects are health conditions present at birth that can cause problems in the baby’s growth, development, and functioning. They can affect how the body looks, works or both. The cause of most birth defects is unknown but some may be caused by genetic factors, environmental exposure to toxins or drugs, and infections during pregnancy.
Common examples of birth defects include cleft lip and palate, spina bifida, heart defects and Down syndrome. Cleft lip and palate occur when parts of the lip or roof of the mouth don’t develop properly before birth. Spina bifida is a defect in which part of the spinal cord doesn’t form correctly. Heart defects involve problems with one or more structures of the heart such as a hole in an inner wall between two chambers atria. Down syndrome is caused by an extra chromosome in a baby’s cells that affects physical features as well as intellectual ability.
Most types of birth defects cannot be prevented but there are things you can do to reduce your risk such as taking folic acid supplements before conception and avoiding alcohol during pregnancy.