What causes congenital anomalies? (2024)

FAQs

What causes congenital anomalies? ›

Approximately 50% of congenital disorders cannot be linked to a specific cause. However, known causes include single gene defects, chromosomal disorders, multifactorial inheritance, environmental teratogens and micronutrient deficiencies. Genetic causes can be traced to inherited genes or from mutations.

The two most common genetic causes of congenital anomalies are single-gene defects and chromosomal abnormalities. Single-gene defects are caused by changes (mutations) in the structure of genes. These are responsible for slightly over 17% of congenital anomalies (48).

Some congenital disorders can be prevented. Vaccination, adequate intake of folic acid or iodine through fortification of staple foods or supplementation, and adequate care before and during a pregnancy are examples of prevention methods.

Exposure to medications, chemicals, or other agents during pregnancy. The infants whose mothers took thalidomide are examples of an exposure leading to congenital anomalies. Other examples include exposure to rubella (also called German measles) and toxic chemicals, such as hydrocarbons.

Approximately 50% of congenital disorders cannot be linked to a specific cause. However, known causes include single gene defects, chromosomal disorders, multifactorial inheritance, environmental teratogens and micronutrient deficiencies. Genetic causes can be traced to inherited genes or from mutations.

Birth defects also can happen later in pregnancy, when your baby's organs are still growing and developing. About 1 in 33 babies (about 3 percent) is born with a birth defect in the United States each year. Some birth defects don't need treatment or can be treated easily.

In general, there isn't a cure for birth defects, especially genetic conditions. Treatment can help lessen your child's symptoms and reduce their risk of life-threatening complications if symptoms are severe.

Drugs and alcohol – drugs such as alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs and certain prescription and over-the-counter medications are known to cause congenital anomalies if taken during pregnancy.

A birth defect is a health problem or a physical abnormality. It can be very mild or severe. Some birth defects are life-threatening, in which case a baby may only live for a few months. Birth defects are also referred to as "congenital anomalies" or "congenital abnormalities."

Can you tell if your baby is disabled before it's born? ›

Many birth defects can be diagnosed before birth with tests. Your healthcare provider will talk with you about testing. The risk for birth defects varies by type of defect, family health history, age of parents, and other factors. Your provider can tell you more about your risk of having a child with a birth defect.

There are certain types of birth conditions that don't appear on prenatal imaging tests such as an ultrasound, including these types: Degenerative disorders also known as Rett syndrome and muscular dystrophy. Sensory conditions: also known as hearing loss and blindness.

In general, major birth defects of the body and internal organs are more likely to happen between 3 to 12 embryonic/fetal weeks. This is the same as 5 to 14 gestational weeks (weeks since the first day of your last period).

Most birth defects occur in the first 3 months of pregnancy, when the organs of the baby are forming. This is a very important stage of development. However, some birth defects occur later in pregnancy. During the last six months of pregnancy, the tissues and organs continue to grow and develop.

a deviation from the common rule, type, arrangement, or form. an anomalous person or thing; one that is abnormal or does not fit in: With his quiet nature, he was an anomaly in his exuberant family. an odd, peculiar, or strange condition, situation, quality, etc.

Additionally, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders – those caused by exposing a fetus to alcohol while in utero – are the leading preventable cause of birth defects in the U.S. For a healthy pregnancy, it's important to take folic acid supplements and prenatal vitamins, to avoid alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs, and to ...