Birth defect facts for kids
A birth defect is a health condition or difference that a baby is born with. These differences can affect how a body part looks or works. They can be mild or more serious.
Some birth defects change the shape of a body part, like a heart or a limb. These are called structural disorders. Other birth defects affect how a body part works, such as how the body uses food. These are known as functional disorders. Sometimes, a birth defect can involve both structural and functional changes.
Birth defects can happen for different reasons. Sometimes, they are caused by changes in a baby's genes or chromosomes. Other times, they might be linked to certain medicines, chemicals, or infections during pregnancy. Things that can increase the chance of birth defects include not getting enough folate (a type of vitamin B), certain habits or exposures during pregnancy, or certain health conditions like diabetes. Often, many factors can play a role.
Some birth defects are easy to see when a baby is born. Others are found later through special tests for newborns. Many can even be detected before birth using different tests.
In 2015, birth defects affected about 96 million people worldwide. In the United States, they occur in about 3% of newborns.
Contents
What Are Birth Defects?
Birth defects are health conditions that are present when a baby is born. They can affect almost any part of the body. These conditions can change how a body part looks or how it works.
Types of Birth Defects
There are two main types of birth defects:
- Structural defects: These are problems with the shape or structure of a body part. For example, a baby might be born with a heart that has a different shape than usual.
- Functional defects: These are problems with how a body part works. For instance, a baby might have a condition where their body cannot properly break down certain foods.
Some birth defects can be both structural and functional.
What Causes Birth Defects?
Birth defects can happen for many reasons. Sometimes, the cause is known, but often, it is not.
Genetic and Chromosomal Changes
Many birth defects are caused by changes in a baby's genes or chromosomes.
- Genes are like instructions that tell our bodies how to grow and work. If there's a mistake in these instructions, it can lead to a birth defect.
- Chromosomes are structures that hold our genes. Having too many or too few chromosomes, or changes in their structure, can also cause birth defects.
Environmental Factors
Sometimes, things in the environment can play a role.
- Medicines and chemicals: Exposure to certain medicines or chemicals during pregnancy can affect a baby's development.
- Infections: Some infections that a mother gets during pregnancy can also cause birth defects in the baby.
Other Factors
Other things can increase the chance of birth defects:
- Lack of nutrients: Not getting enough important nutrients, like folate, can be a risk factor.
- Maternal health: Certain health conditions in the mother, such as poorly managed diabetes, can increase the risk.
- Age: A mother being older than 35 years old can also be a factor.
- Lifestyle choices: Certain habits during pregnancy can also increase the risk.
Often, birth defects are believed to be caused by a mix of these factors.
How Are Birth Defects Found?
Birth defects can be found at different times.
Before Birth
Many birth defects can be detected before a baby is born.
- Prenatal tests: Doctors can use special tests, like ultrasounds, to look at the baby's development during pregnancy. These tests can sometimes show if there are any structural differences.
At Birth or Later
Some birth defects are clear to see when a baby is born. Others might not be obvious right away.
- Newborn screening: Many countries have screening tests for newborns. These tests check for certain functional birth defects, like metabolic disorders, that might not have clear signs at birth. Finding these early can help babies get the care they need.
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