What exactly are birth defects
Births and deaths worldwide: -Globally, about 3-6% of infants are born with a serious birth defect.
Birth defects are common: -According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), birth defects affect one in every 33 babies born in the United States each year.
Down syndrome: -Down syndrome is a genetic disorder usually caused when abnormal cell division results in an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21.
Clubfoot: -The most common musculoskeletal birth defect is clubfoot.
When do birth defects form?: -These structural or functional anomalies can affect one or more parts of the body.
Cystic fibrosis: -Cystic fibrosis is a birth defect that occurs whenever someone inherits the "CF gene" from both of their parents.
Heart defects: -Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common type of birth defect.
Most common birth defects: -The most common severe birth anomalies are heart defects, neural tube defects, and Down syndrome.
Neural tube defects: -Neural tube defects (NTDs) occur when the neural tube does not close properly.