About Birth Defects
Birth defects are structural changes that are present at birth. They affect how the body looks, works, or both. They can also affect almost any part of the body, such as the heart, brain, or even a foot.
Birth defects affect about 1 in every 33 babies born each year in the United States. They affect 3,000 babies each year in Virginia. They’re also the leading cause of infant deaths (about 20%). Data related to certain birth defects in Virginia is now available in a dashboard for the public.
“Birth defect” is a medical term. It does not mean that a person is “defective.” It refers to physical or biochemical changes that cause problems with how the body develops or how the body works. These changes result in health conditions that develop in a baby before birth.
Birth defects can be discovered at any time during pregnancy or even later after birth. Most frequently they are found during the first trimester.
Every person’s journey with a birth defect is unique. It’s shaped by their specific condition, individual strengths, and the support system available to them. It’s important to remember that a community of support can help people with these conditions and the people who take care of them.
Causes
We don’t know the cause of many birth defects. For some, the cause(s) may be:
- Genetics (having someone in your family with a birth defect)
- Behaviors (like smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking recreational drugs during pregnancy)
- Environment (like where you live, work, or even the kinds of foods you eat)
Prevention During Pregnancy
Not all birth defects can be prevented. However, making healthy choices can help reduce the risks of birth defects.
- Take care of your overall health
- Reduce exposure to infections, like chickenpox, rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), COVID-19 or listeria
- Take care of existing health conditions, like diabetes
- Try to keep a healthy weight
- Treat fevers higher than 101
- Avoid hot tubs or other environments that might cause overheating
- Attend all your prenatal visits
- Avoid nicotine-containing products, drinking alcohol, and illicit drugs.
- Get 400 micrograms of folic acid every day
- Having enough folic acid in your body before and during pregnancy can help prevent birth defects of the brain and spine.
Screening and Diagnosis
Prenatal screening can help identify if your baby is more or less likely to have certain birth defects. Screening tests do not provide a specific diagnosis—that requires a diagnostic test.
Certain birth defects might not be diagnosed until:
- Immediately seen at birth
- Sometime after the baby is born
- Later in life