Birth Defects - Mississippi State Department of Health

Congenital disorders (birth defects) are an abnormality of body structure, function or chemistry present at birth that results in physical or mental disabilities.

Congenital disorders are the leading cause of death in the first year of life. While there are thousands of possible types of disorders that range from mild to life threatening, Down syndrome and cleft lip or cleft palate are the most common in the United States.

While all the causes of congenital disorders are not known, some disorders can be prevented. Actions you and your doctor take can help prevent congenital disorders and make a better life for your baby.

Some congenital disorders can be prevented

Avoiding alcohol and smoking, and ensuring proper nutrition during pregnancy can prevent birth disorders caused by environmental factors.
Identifying certain genes in the parents before a baby is conceived can prevent inherited disorders.

It's vital to visit your doctor before you become pregnant in order to identify and treat conditions that can pose a risk in pregnancy. A doctor can give advice on the lifestyle factors before and during pregnancy that can contribute to or reduce the risk of congenital disorders.

5 Tips for Preventing Birth Disorders

Folic acid: Take a multivitamin or supplement with 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day. See below
Defend yourself: Stay up-to-date with all vaccines, including the flu shot.
Get fit: Before getting pregnant, try to reach a healthy weight. Stay active while you're pregnant, and eat with your baby's health in mind.
Good habits: Avoid harmful substances during pregnancy, such as alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
Medications: Visit your healthcare provider before stopping or starting any medicine.

More about a healthy pregnancy

Guard against infections

Infections can affect the health of your developing baby and lead to birth defects. During pregnancy, take these measures to keep your risk of infections low.

Fact sheet: Preventing Infections

More about specific conditions

Causes of congenital disorders

The causes of many congenital disorders are still unknown. Those with known causes can be divided into four types:

Single-gene: These are disorders that can be inherited from just one gene from one or both parents. The parents can be perfectly healthy, and unaware that they carry a defective gene. Cystic fibrosis is an example of this.
Chromosomal: These are caused by abnormalities in entire chromosomes (groups of genes), or having too few or too many of a certain chromosome in the parents' reproductive cells. Although the parents are healthy, the normal development of the child is disrupted. Down syndrome is caused by a chromosomal birth defect.
Environmental:These disorders are caused by factors such as alcohol or chemicals that come from outside the developing child's body. The parents can control exposure to some of these factors, such as alcohol and tobacco smoke. Fetal alcohol syndrome is one example of an environmental birth defect.
Multi-factor: caused by a combination of several of the above.

Congenital Disorders (Birth Defects)

Some congenital disorders can be prevented

5 Tips for Preventing Birth Disorders

Guard against infections

More about specific conditions

Fact Sheets and Other Resources