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A birth defect is a problem that happens while a baby is developing in the mother's body. Most birth defects happen during the first 3 months of pregnancy. One out of every 33 babies in the United States is born with a birth defect.
A birth defect may affect how the body looks, works or both. Some birth defects like cleft lip or neural tube defects are structural problems that can be easy to see. To find others, like heart defects, doctors use special tests. Birth defects can vary from mild to severe. Some result from exposures to medicines or chemicals. For example, alcohol abuse can cause fetal alcohol syndrome. Infections during pregnancy can also result in birth defects. For most birth defects, the cause is unknown.
Some birth defects can be fatal. Babies with birth defects may need surgery or other medical treatments. Today, doctors can diagnose many birth defects in the womb. This enables them to treat or even correct some problems before the baby is born.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Dalkon Shield - The only band named after a defective birth control device. Band slogan - modern love is a corporate crime.
National Newborn Screening and Genetics Resource Center of the US - Provides a large collection of resources on birth defects and on genetic/metabolic screening of infants as a component of public health.
IFTS Atlas - Glossary aiming to provide students and researchers of birth defects in academia, industry and government with a set of images of both rare and common observations in fetuses and neonates from common laboratory mammals.
Teratology Society - Studies the causes and biological processes leading to abnormal development and birth defects, and appropriate measures for prevention.
Orbitox: International Toxicology Consultants - Offer scientific expertise in general, reproductive and developmental toxicity, endocrine disrupter issues, birth defects, occupational exposure and environmental risk assessment. Also expert witness testimony from Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
National Center for Environmental Health (U.S. CDC) - Leadership to promote health & quality of life by preventing or controlling those diseases, birth defects, or disabilities resulting from interaction between people and the environment.
Low-dose Radiation Effects - Canadian Radiobiologist, Dr. Ron Mitchel, describes the latest scientific research showing how low doses of radiation can prevent cancer and birth defects.
Center for Ecogenetics and Environmental Health - Specializes in research in gastrointestinal, renal, carcinogenesis, birth defects, neurological diseases, adverse drug reactions, carciovascular and bioinformatics. Includes mission statement, laboratory facilities, and publications [pdf].
National Center for Environmental Health (U.S. CDC) - Leadership to promote health and quality of life by preventing or controlling those diseases, birth defects, or disabilities resulting from interaction between people and the environment. Site has information/education resources on a broad range of topics, including asthma, birth defects, radiation, sanitation, and lead in blood.
Julia's Journey - Support and information written by a parent of a child with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, for other families who have children with these birth defects.