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Common Birth Defects that Can Occur in Babies

There are different types of birth defects that a child may be born with which can either be minor or severe. While some defects are harmless, some require long-term medical treatment. Read on to know more.

Causes of Birth Defects

While the exact causes of certain birth defects are often unknown, it can be a result of:

• genetics

• lifestyle choices and behaviors

• exposure to certain medications and chemicals

• infections during pregnancy

• a combination of these factors

Common Birth Defects

Birth defects are typically classified as structural or functional and developmental.

1. Congenital Heart Defects

This is a heart abnormality present at birth which can affects the heart walls, valves, and blood vessels. The treatment for a congenital heart defect depends on the type and severity of the defect. Some babies have mild heart defects that heal on their own with time. Others may have severe defects that require extensive treatment.

2. Clubfoot

This is a birth defect that causes a child’s foot to point inward instead of forward. Apart from being identified after birth, it can also be diagnosed during an ultrasound. Clubfoot can sometimes be corrected through stretching and bracing, but surgery may be necessary in severe cases.

3. Cleft Lip or Palate

Also referred to as orofacial defects, there’s an opening or split in the lip or roof of the mouth. The treatment for your child’s cleft lip or palate will depend on severity of the condition and often involves several surgeries to close the opening and reconstruct the face.

4. Spina Bifida

This is a birth defect which occurs when the spine and spinal cord do not develop completely. Also known as a neural tube defect, this occurs during development prior to birth. The treatment for spina bifida can vary basis symptoms and severity. In certain cases, a surgery can be performed shortly after child birth while in some a surgery may be done while the baby is still in womb. In few cases there may not be any treatment needed.

Even after surgery is performed, some symptoms and disability can remain which will need to be managed further.

5. Missing or Undeveloped limbs

The cause of this birth defect is largely unknown, but it is believed that it might be result of exposure to a chemical or virus during pregnancy. When a child is born with a limb anomaly, the doctor refers the parents to an orthopedic specialist and a physical therapist.

6. Sickle-Cell Disease (SCD)

This is genetic disease of the red blood cells in which the RBCs have an abnormal crescent shape resembling a sickle. There are various ways in which SCD can be treated along with home care. This includes

- Blood transfusion

- Rehydration with IV fluids

- Treating underlying infections

- Supplemental oxygen

- Pain relief medications

7. PKU (Phenylketonuria)

This is a rare inherited metabolic disease caused by genetic mutation which if left untreated can lead to cognitive developmental defects. Children born with PKU need to follow a special diet and regular blood tests can help determine what an affected child can and can't eat.

8. Down Syndrome

This is a condition in which a child is born with an extra copy of their 21st chromosome and this extra genetic material causes developmental and physical changes. There’s no cure for Down syndrome, but there’s a wide variety of support and educational programs that can help both people with the condition and their families.

9. Fragile X Syndrome

This is a genetic birth defect in which the affected children can do most things that any young unaffected child can do, although they generally learn these things later. Starting early-intervention programs in infancy can help maximize the child's development.

Conclusion

The impact of a birth defect on your child and family will vary; some birth defects are minor and treatable, while others will be more severe and could impact many different aspects of your child's life.

Some birth defects may be diagnosed before your baby is even born, while others may not be apparent until after birth. So, schedule regular appointments with specialists.

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Source: Parents, Integrisok, Cdc.gov, Healthline

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on March 21, 2023