Congenital Abnormalities | Pediatrics

Pediatrics

Congenital Abnormalities

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.

Mom and young girl smiling while playing with blocks on a table

Partners in Your Care

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.

family_history

What Are Congenital Abnormalities?

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:

Chromosomal Disorders

Congenital Abnormalities

Fetal Conditions

Tumors and Masses 

You may find out during pregnancy, after birth or later in life that your child has a congenital abnormality.

list_alt

Causes of Congenital Abnormalities

While some congenital abnormalities have known causes, health care providers are not exactly sure why most happen. Potential causes include:

Genetic Changes (Mutations)

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

Chromosomal abnormalities are changes in the number or form of chromosomes (structures that carry genes). These changes can interfere with fetal development.

Prenatal Exposures

Contact with substances such as chemicals, radiation and organisms that cause infections can lead to congenital disorders.

data_info_alert

Risk Factors for Having a Child With Congenital Abnormalities

Age

The risk of chromosomal changes rises the older you are during pregnancy.

Family History

Some congenital abnormalities may run in families.

Health Conditions

Obesity, poorly controlled diabetes, fever and other medical conditions may increase your risk of having a baby with a congenital abnormality.

Infections

Certain infections during pregnancy, such as toxoplasmosis from cat feces and Zika virus, are linked to congenital abnormalities. Learn more about Zika virus (PDF).

Lack of Folic Acid

Not getting enough folic acid in your diet increases the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.

Medication Use

Some prescription medications can affect the health of your unborn child.

Unhealthy Behaviors

Drinking alcohol, smoking and using drugs while pregnant are associated with congenital abnormalities.

troubleshoot

Diagnosing 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.

Congenital Abnormality Care at UC Davis Health

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:

High-Risk Obstetrical Care

We offer expert care for pregnancies at high risk of complications due to maternal and fetal conditions, including congenital abnormalities.

Find out more about maternal-fetal medicine
Fetal Care and Treatment Center

Nationally recognized physicians diagnose and treat fetal abnormalities using a range of approaches, including advanced fetal surgery.

Learn more about fetal care and treatment
Birth Center

Our labor and delivery teams are highly trained and well-prepared for high-risk deliveries.

Take a virtual tour of our birth center
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

As a level 4 NICU, we have the experience and technology to care for infants born with serious congenital abnormalities.

Read more about our NICU
Pediatric and Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU)

Children with congenital heart or other congenital abnormalities receive lifesaving treatment in our PCICU.

See more about our PCICU
Pediatric Specialty Care

No matter what type of specialty care your child needs, you’ll find it at UC Davis Health.

Explore our pediatric specialty services
shield_with_heart

Preventing Congenital Abnormalities

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:

  • Checking with your health care provider before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications
  • Eating healthy and avoiding alcohol, smoking and drugs
  • Managing health conditions
  • Preventing infections and fevers
  • Taking 400 milligrams of folic acid daily before and during pregnancy

Who does it affect?

1 in 33Children born in the U.S. have congenital abnormalities

Known causes

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

Request an Appointment

As Sacramento's No. 1 hospital, you'll benefit from unique advantages in primary care and specialty care. This includes prevention, diagnosis and treatment options from experts in 150 specialties.

Referring Physicians

To refer a patient, you can submit an electronic referral form or call.

family_restroom

Patients

For questions and appointment information

Awards and Recognitions
PreviousNext
USNWR Best Hospital badge

Ranked among the nation’s best hospitals

A U.S. News & World Report best hospital in cancer, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, diabetes & endocrinology, ENT, geriatrics, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, and pulmonology & lung surgery.

Learn more
US News & World Report best Children’s Hospital badge

Ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals

A U.S. News & World Report best children’s hospital in diabetes & endocrinology, nephrology, and orthopedics*. (*Together with Shriners Children’s)

Learn more
USNWR best regional hospital badge

Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital

Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and high-performing in back surgery, COPD, colon cancer surgery, gynecological cancer surgery, heart attack, heart failure, hip fracture, kidney failure, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, pneumonia, prostate cancer surgery, stroke, TAVR, and gastroenterology & GI surgery.

Learn more
Magnet designation badge

The nation’s highest nursing honor

UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.

Learn more
NCI badge

World-class cancer care

One of ~56 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.

Learn more
HEI LGBTQ badge

A leader in health care equality

For the 13th consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization.

Learn more
See more