Common Birth Defects

Many babies are born with congenital disabilities daily and having knowledge about the common birth defects can help you prepare.

Approximately 3-6% of babies are born with birth defects globally every year. This means that life-altering conditions like spina bifida and congenital heart defects affect millions of babies and families. Regardless of a baby’s birth place, his family’s socioeconomic status, or his race or ethnicity, birth defects can strike anyone.

• Down Syndrome 

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder in which a child is born with an additional copy of their 21st chromosome. The overt symptoms of Down syndrome include facial abnormalities, heart defects, impaired vision and hearing, and mental retardation. With care, children with Down syndrome can go on to live a happy life.

• Cleft Lip 

Babies born with a cleft lip have an opening in the upper lip. This occurs when developing facial parts in an unborn baby don't close fully. Most children with cleft lip can look normally and talk and eat properly after treatment. The child will need to undergo several surgeries to fix the defect.

• Congenital Heart Defect

This congenital disability affects the heart. It could be anything from a hole in the heart to a valve defect. It is often caused by genetics, medication, and environmental factors.

• Spina Bifida 

Spina Bifida is a prevalent birth defect that affects the development of the spine and vertebrae. Spina bifida occurs when the neural tube does not properly close during fetal development, affecting the spine and vertebrae.

About 70% of Spina Bifida cases are caused by a lack of adequate folic acid in the first months of pregnancy. Mothers are advised to religiously take their prenatal vitamins to avoid cases like Spina Bifida.  Just like Cleft lip, Spina bifida can be treated with surgery within 48 hours of birth.

• Sickle Cell

Sickle cell occurs when two parents with at least one dominant or recessive gene for sickle cell have a child with both genes. Sickle cell affects blood flow in the body, which causes a lack of oxygen in some parts.

• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome 

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a common congenital disability that is caused by excessive amounts of alcohol consumed during pregnancy. Babies born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome are born with a small abnormally formed brain, small eyes, and a malformed heart. Children born with this defect require a lot of care.

• Clubfoot 

Clubfoot is a common birth defect that causes abnormalities in the ankle and foot, making it difficult to place the foot in the correct position.

• Cerebral Palsy 

Cerebral Palsy is a birth defect that affects the motor skills of a child. It is caused by damage to the part of the brain that is in charge of motor skills.

The symptoms of Cerebral Palsy include mental degradation, lack of motor skills, speech, vision, and hearing impairment. Cerebral Palsy can be appropriately managed with medication and therapy.

Mothers can reduce their chances of birthing a child with a defect by eating healthy and staying away from unhealthy substances.

Not every birth defect can be prevented. However, a woman can increase their chances of having a healthy child by adopting healthy behaviors before becoming pregnant. Get healthy before and during pregnancy by choosing a healthy lifestyle and speaking with a healthcare provider.

1) World Birth Defects Day. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention Website. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/features/birth-defects-day.html. Last accessed April 23, 2021.