Birth Defects »
What are birth defects?
Birth defects are structural or functional abnormalities present at birth
that cause physical or mental disability. Some may be fatal.
Researchers have identified thousands of different birth defects. Currently,
birth defects are the leading cause of death for infants during the first year
of life.
What causes birth defects?
Birth defects have a variety of causes, such as:
Genetic problems caused when one or more genes doesn't work
properly or part of a gene is missing
Problems with chromosomes, such as having an extra chromosome or missing part
of a chromosome
Environmental factors that a woman is exposed to during
pregnancy, such as
rubella or German measles
while pregnant, or using drugs or
alcohol during pregnancy.
What are the different types of birth defects?
There are two main types of birth defects: structural and
functio...
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