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Birth defects (congenital anomalies) are structural changes present at birth that can affect almost any part or parts of the body (e.g., heart, brain, foot). They may affect how the body looks, works, or both and can vary from mild to severe. In the United States, a baby is born with a birth defect every 4.5 minutes – about 120,000 babies each year – with around 1,050 cases occurring in Kansas.
- What are birth defects?
- Birth defects, also known as congenital anomalies, are structural changes present at birth that can affect almost any part or parts of the body (e.g., heart, brain, foot). They may affect how the body looks, works, or both and can vary from mild to severe.
- How often do birth defects occur?
- In the United States, a baby is born with a birth defect every 4.5 minutes – about 120,000 babies each year – with around 1,050 cases occurring in Kansas. Birth defects are the most common cause of death in the first year of life and the second most common cause of death in children aged one to four years.
- Many birth defects are diagnosed during pregnancy or shortly after the baby is born, depending on the specific type of birth defect. There are screenings available during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy.
- Learn more about how common birth defects can be from the CDC’s website.
- What are the causes?
- Birth defects can occur during any stage of pregnancy. Most birth defects occur within the first trimester when babies’ organs are forming. However, some defects do not develop until later in pregnancy, as organs grow.
- For many birth defects, the causes are unknown. Genetics, behavior and environment all play a role in development. Still, how these factors contribute to birth defects and to what extent is unknown.
- A lot of research has been dedicated to finding the cause of birth defects. While many birth defects are due to a combination of factors, certain behaviors and medical conditions can greatly increase the risk of birth defects developing during pregnancy. For more information on common causes and risk factors associated with birth defects, visit the CDC Causes of Birth Defects website.
- Prevention
- Not all birth defects can be prevented or detected early. However, there are healthy steps you can take to reduce your risk. Talk to your doctor about your medical conditions or the medications you are taking. Discuss a plan for adopting healthy habits during pregnancy with your doctor by making a PACT and visiting the National Birth Defects Prevention Network Website.
- Living with birth defects
- Many families have learned to treat and manage birth defects and their related health outcomes. While babies born with birth defects often need special care and medical treatments to survive and develop, many resources for care and support are available.
- Early intervention is essential to creating the best possible outcomes for babies with birth defects. State birth defects tracking programs exist to help identify and refer children for services and specialized care as early as possible.
- If your child has a birth defect, ask their doctor about local resources and treatment. Geneticists, genetic counselors, and other specialists are great resources, along with your family doctor or pediatrician.
- Kansas offers a program called Supporting You, where families can connect and share advice and resources. To learn more about life with birth defects, read stories from families like yours.