World Birth Defects Day

"March 3rd is World Birth Defects Day! Join us in our effort to raise awareness of birth defects, their causes, and their impact around the world! Our theme is “Many birth defects, one voice.”

Every year, about 3-6% of infants worldwide are born with a serious birth defect. This means that life-altering conditions like spina bifida and congenital heart defects affect millions of babies and families. Birth defects can affect babies regardless of where they are born, their socioeconomic status, or their race or ethnicity.

Birth Defects Tracking and Research

Accurately tracking birth defects and analyzing the collected data is a first step in preventing birth defects.

CDC uses tracking and research to

• identify causes of birth defects;
• find opportunities to prevent them; and
• improve the health of those living with them.

Understanding the potential causes of birth defects can lead to recommendations, policies, and services to help prevent them..."
Birth defects

World Birth Defects Day

"Every year, about 3-6% of infants worldwide are born with a serious birth defect. This represents millions of babies and families with life-altering conditions like spina bifida and congenital heart defects. The goals for World Birth Defects Day are to raise awareness about birth defects and increase opportunities for prevention. Participate in World Birth Defects Day by sharing stories and information about birth defects using the hashtag #WorldBDDay.

How Do Birth Defects Affect Babies Worldwide?

Birth defects are common, costly, and critical. Most of us have been touched by someone living with a birth defect—a family member, friend, or neighbor.

In recent years, birth defects have received increased attention as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and researchers worldwide worked toward clarifying the relationship between Zika virus disease and birth defects from Zika virus infection (congenital Zika syndrome). The Zika virus disease outbreak and its impact on birth defects have emphasized the need for and benefits of international collaboration and communication about birth defects prevention.^.."Birth defects

Folic Acid Helps Prevent Some Birth Defects

"Learn how to get healthy before and during pregnancy to increase your chances of having a healthy baby. You can plan ahead by getting enough folic acid each day.

Folic acid is a B vitamin. It is an important part of planning for a healthy pregnancy. If a woman consumes the recommended amount of folic acid before and during early pregnancy, it can help prevent some major birth defects of the baby’s brain (known as anencephaly) and spine (known as spina bifida). Anencephaly is a serious birth defect in which parts of a baby’s brain and skull do not form correctly. Babies born with anencephaly cannot survive. Spina bifida is a serious birth defect in which a baby’s spine does not develop correctly, and can result in some severe physical disabilities. All women, but especially those who want to become pregnant, need 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day.."

Folic acid

Prevent Birth Defects

"Learn how you can prevent infections before and during pregnancy to help protect you and your developing baby from birth defects.

Some infections before and during pregnancy can hurt you and your developing baby. They can cause serious illness, birth defects, and lifelong disabilities, such as hearing loss. Women can lower their risk of having a baby born with a birth defect by following some basic health guidelines.  This is important because many birth defects happen very early during pregnancy, sometimes before a woman even knows she is pregnant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages all women and their loved ones to “Prevent to Protect: Prevent infections for baby’s protection.”

How Many Babies Are Born With a Birth Defect?

Birth defects are structural changes present at birth that can affect almost any part or parts of the body such as the heart, brain, or foot. Birth defects are common, costly, and critical conditions that affect 1 in 33 babies born in the United States..."
Birth defects

Birth Defects: 1 in 33

"Did you know that birth defects affect one in every 33 babies born in the United States? That means about one child in every school classroom might be affected. Those are not just numbers—they represent real babies and families. Read these family stories to learn more about birth defects and how these conditions can impact lives.

A birth defect diagnosis during pregnancy can challenge any family, but remaining hopeful can make a difference..."
Birth defects

Folic Acid & Birth Defects

" Folic acid is a B vitamin. It is an important part of preconception health, which refers to the health of women and men during their reproductive years. If a woman consumes the recommended amount of folic acid before and during early pregnancy, it can help prevent some major birth defects of the baby's brain (known as anencephaly) and spine (known as spina bifida). Anencephaly is a serious birth defect in which parts of a baby's brain and skull do not form correctly. Babies born with anencephaly cannot survive. Spina bifida is a serious birth defect in which a baby's spine does not develop correctly, and can result in some severe physical disabilities. All women, but especially those who want to become pregnant, need 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day..."
Folic acid benefits

National Center for Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
"The mission of the CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) is to promote the health of babies, children and adults and enhance the potential for full, productive living. To achieve its mission, our Center works to:

* Identify the causes of birth defects and developmental disabilities;
* Help children to develop and reach their full potential; and
* Promote health and well-being among people of all ages with disabilities, including blood disorders.

We seek to accomplish these goals through research, partnerships, and prevention and education programs..."