Birth defect

A birth defect is an abnormality in body structure or function that develops before birth, whether or not it is apparent at birth.

Prenatal development: The process by which an embryo and fetus grow and develop before birth. Birth defects originate during this developmental period.
Organogenesis: The embryonic process through which organs form from developing tissues. Disruption during organ formation can produce structural defects.
Folic acid: A B vitamin needed for DNA synthesis and cell division. Taking it before conception and early in pregnancy reduces neural tube defect risk.
Congenital heart defect: A structural problem in the heart or its major blood vessels that develops before birth. These defects range from minor abnormalities to conditions requiring early intervention.
Infant mortality: The death of a child before the first birthday, measured across a population. Severe birth defects contribute to infant deaths in many countries.
Congenital disorder: A condition present at birth, whether caused by development, inheritance, or events around delivery. This broader clinical term overlaps with birth defect but includes conditions not caused by abnormal development.
Chromosomal abnormality: A change in chromosome number or structure that can alter development. Chromosomal changes account for some multisystem birth defects.
Neural tube defect: A defect caused by incomplete closure of the embryonic neural tube. It is a well-studied group of defects with an established preventive intervention.
Cleft lip and cleft palate: Openings in the upper lip or roof of the mouth caused by incomplete fusion during development. They illustrate how disrupted tissue fusion produces visible structural differences.
Disability: A condition involving impairments or limitations in activity and participation within a given context. Some birth defects cause lifelong disabilities, while others have little lasting effect.

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