Birth Defects Index
Featured: Birth Defects Main ArticleBirth defects have many causes and currently, are the leading cause of death for infants in the first year of life. Some of the causes of birth defects include genetic or chromosome problems. Exposure of the mother to rubella or German measles during pregnancy, or using drugs or alcohol during pregnancy. The treatment for birth defects depends upon the condition of the effected child. Patient Discussions - Viewers share their commentsLocal Resources - Find a local Doctor in your town
Pictures, Images, Illustrations & QuizzesMedicationsSupplements & Vitamins
Related Diseases & ConditionsView All 40 Birth Defects Related Diseases & Conditions »
Related FAQs, Doctor's & Expert's ViewsProcedures & TestsHealth NewsView All 64 Birth Defects Health News »
Tools & References |
Suggested Reading on Birth Defects by Our Doctors
-
Related Diseases & Conditions
40 articles-
Hernia
- A hernia is an opening or weakness in the muscular structure of the wall of the abdomen. This defect causes a bulging of the abdominal wall. Symptoms of
-
Alcoholism
- Alcoholism is a disease that includes alcohol craving and continued drinking despite repeated alcohol-related problems, such as losing a job or getting
-
Hydrocephalus
- Hydrocephalus is an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles of the brain. The fluid is often under increased pressure and can compress
-
Scoliosis
- Scoliosis causes an abnormal curvature of the spine. When the cause of scoliosis is unknown the disorder is described based on the age when the scoliosis
-
Miscarriage
- A miscarriage is any pregnancy that ends spontaneously before the fetus can survive. Miscarriage usually occurs before the 13th week of pregnancy. The
-
Aneurysm (Brain)
- Brain aneurysm (cerebral aneurysm) is caused by microscopic damage to artery walls, infections of the artery walls, tumors, trauma, drug abuse. Symptoms
-
Toxoplasmosis
- Toxoplasmosis (toxo) is a parasitic infection that causes flulike symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle aches and pains that may last from a few days
-
Learning Disabilities
- Learning disabilities can cause an individual to have trouble learning and using skills such as reading, listening, writing, reading, speaking, reasoning,
-
Phenylketonuria
- Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a disorder that is inherited. PKU disorder increases the levels of phenylalanine in the blood. Phenylalanine is an amino acid
-
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
- Alcohol intake by a pregnant mother may result in fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in her child. A child with FAS may be hyperactive and have a low IQ, a small
-
Microcephaly
- Microcephaly is a genetic condition where the circumference of the head is smaller than normal due to underdeveloped brain. Microcephaly is caused by genetic
-
Cerebral Palsy
- Cerebral palsy (CP) is an abnormality of motor function and postural tone acquired at an early age (even before birth). Cerebral palsy is generally caused
-
Trisomy 18
- Trisomy 18 is an chromosomal condition that causes severe birth defects in newborns. Many babies born with trisomy 18 do not live past one month of age.
-
Angelman Syndrome
- Angelman syndrome is a genetic disorder that results from the absence of a functional copy of the UBE3A gene inherited from the mother. Infants with Angelman
-
Poland Syndrome
- Poland syndrome is a congenital malformation that affects one side of the body. Characteristics of Poland syndrome include the absence or underdevelopment
-
Genetic Disease
- Genetic disease is a disorder or condition caused by abnormalities in a person's genome. Types of genetic inheritance include single inheritance (for example,
-
Achondroplasia
- A common form of short stature, achondroplasia (dwarfism) is a genetic condition causing a disorder of bone growth. Complications of achondroplasia that
-
Spina Bifida and Anencephaly (Neural Tube Defects)
- Spina bifida is the most common neural tube defect in the United States. There are four types of spina bifida; 1) occulta, 2) closed neural tube defects,
-
Ventricular Septal Defect
- A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a congenital heart malformation. A VSD is a hole in the wall of the heart's two lower chambers. Approximately, one
-
Congenital Heart Defects
- Congenital heart defects are heart problems that are present at birth. Genetics may play a role in some heart defects. Symptoms can range from nonexistent
-
Thallium
- Thallium is a metal that can be found in small amounts in the soil. When thallium enters the environment through coal-burning or smelting, it stays in
-
Prevention
- Enjoying a healthy diet helps to prevent diseases. A good diet also helps to control celiac disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure and maintain health
-
Shingles and Pregnancy
- Becoming infected with chickenpox during pregnancy could cause birth defects in your unborn child. Likewise, shingles could also cause problems for your
-
Choledochal Cysts
- Choledochal cysts are cysts of the bile ducts. There are several different types of choledochal cysts. These cysts are congenital, however, their cause
-
Cleft Palate and Cleft Lip
- Cleft palate and cleft lip are facial and oral defects that occur early in pregnancy. A cleft lip is a split of the two sides of the upper lip, and a cleft
-
German Measles (Rubella)
- German measles is a disease that's caused by a virus. Symptoms include rash and fever for two to three days. The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine
-
Branchial Cyst
- A branchial cyst is a congenital remnant from embryologic development that appears on the side of the neck. The cyst may develop a sinus or drainage pathway
-
Genetic Counseling
- Your health care provider may refer you to a genetic professional. Universities and medical centers also often have affiliated genetic professionals,
-
Pregnancy Planning
- Pregnancy planning is important to help prevent exposure of the mother and fetus to potentially harmful medications and substances during the early days,
- See All Related Diseases & Conditions »
-
Hernia
-
Medications
1 articles -
Procedures & Tests
3 articles -
Pictures, Images & Quizzes
1 articles -
Doctor's & Expert's Views
8 articles -
Health News
94 articles -
Health Features
4 articles
