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Every year, about one of every 33 newborns in the United States (nearly 120,000 overall) will have a congenital difference, a health condition that is present at birth. These include things that are visible (such as a cleft palate or extra fingers or toes), and those that are not immediately apparent (such as hearing loss or heart complications). These differences usually have a genetic basis, but some are caused by exposure to certain medications, infections, and chemicals during pregnancy. Still others are related to a combination of factors or are caused by unknown factors.
Congenital differences are common and they are also the leading cause of death in infants in the U.S. While not all of these conditions are fatal, some can cause lifelong health issues.
Not all congenital differences can be prevented, but there are some things you can do before and during pregnancy to lower the risk, says Tracy Nelson, MD, an OBGYN affiliated with Grand Strand Medical Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Here’s a look at some of the most common congenital differences, plus essential health tips for expectant parents.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Preventi... + 4
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Investigating the Impact of COVID-19 During Pregnancy. Last updated July 1, 2022.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Birth Defects are Common, Costly, and Critical. Last Reviewed: June 28, 2023.
- March of Dimes. Vitamins and other nutrients during pregnancy. Last reviewed September, 2020.
- Simeone RM, Zambrano LD, Halasa NB, et al. Effectiveness of Maternal mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination During Pregnancy Against COVID-19–Associated Hospitalizations in Infants Aged <6 Months During SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Predominance — 20 States, March 9, 2022–May 31, 2023. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023;72:1057–1064.
- March of Dimes. Birth defects and your baby. Last reviewed: June, 2019.
