For all types of anomalies present at birth, we provide expert care and support.
Medically reviewed by Amy Powne, R.N. on June 29, 2023.
At UC Davis Health, we are your lifelong partners in care. From preconception counseling to pregnancy, childbirth and beyond, you’ll find the services and support you need to help your child thrive.
Congenital abnormalities, also known as birth defects or congenital disorders, are conditions that occur as your unborn child (fetus) develops. Some disorders are life-threatening, while others have no visible signs.
Congenital abnormalities can affect your child’s appearance, how their body functions or both. Examples of some common congenital abnormalities include:
You may find out during pregnancy, after birth or later in life that your child has a congenital abnormality.
While some congenital abnormalities have known causes, health care providers are not exactly sure why most happen. Potential causes include:
Genes are stretches of DNA that carry instructions for everything your cells do. Changes in some genes can affect how your baby develops.
Chromosomal abnormalities are changes in the number or form of chromosomes (structures that carry genes). These changes can interfere with fetal development.
Contact with substances such as chemicals, radiation and organisms that cause infections can lead to congenital disorders.
The risk of chromosomal changes rises the older you are during pregnancy.
Some congenital abnormalities may run in families.
Obesity, poorly controlled diabetes, fever and other medical conditions may increase your risk of having a baby with a congenital abnormality.
Certain infections during pregnancy, such as toxoplasmosis from cat feces and Zika virus, are linked to congenital abnormalities. Learn more about Zika virus (PDF).
Not getting enough folic acid in your diet increases the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.
Some prescription medications can affect the health of your unborn child.
Drinking alcohol, smoking and using drugs while pregnant are associated with congenital abnormalities.
Health care providers diagnose most congenital abnormalities at birth or within the first year of birth. Early diagnosis can help your child get the care needed to lessen the long-term effects of their condition.
Health care providers detect some congenital abnormalities during prenatal testing and screening. Routine tests include ultrasound imaging and blood tests.
If you are older than 35 or have a family history of congenital abnormalities, your provider may recommend more specific tests. Our Prenatal Diagnosis Centers provide complete prenatal testing and consultations.
At UC Davis Health, our specialists have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating congenital abnormalities. We are here for you and your child at every step with expert care, guidance and support. Our programs and services include:
We offer expert care for pregnancies at high risk of complications due to maternal and fetal conditions, including congenital abnormalities.
Nationally recognized physicians diagnose and treat fetal abnormalities using a range of approaches, including advanced fetal surgery.
Our labor and delivery teams are highly trained and well-prepared for high-risk deliveries.
As a level 4 NICU, we have the experience and technology to care for infants born with serious congenital abnormalities.
Children with congenital heart or other congenital abnormalities receive lifesaving treatment in our PCICU.
No matter what type of specialty care your child needs, you’ll find it at UC Davis Health.
You cannot prevent all congenital abnormalities, but good health and nutrition can improve your chance of having a healthy baby. Steps you can take include:
1 in 33Children born in the U.S. have congenital abnormalities
70%Of birth defects have no known cause
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Birth Defects
B. Weinhold, Environmental Health Perspectives: Environmental Factors in Birth Defects: What We Need to Know
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