Congenital defects

Congenital Defects

Congenital defects, also known as birth defects or congenital disorders, are conditions that are present at birth. These defects can affect the structure of a baby's body and can cause problems in overall health, how the body develops, or how the body works.

Pronunciation

/kənˈjenɪtl ˈdiːfekt/

Etymology

The term "congenital" is derived from the Latin word "congenitus", which means "born with". The term "defect" comes from the Latin word "defectus", which means "lack" or "shortcoming".

Types of Congenital Defects

There are many different types of congenital defects, including:

• Heart defects
• Cleft lip or palate
• Spina bifida
• Down syndrome
• Congenital diaphragmatic hernia
• Congenital hip dysplasia

Causes of Congenital Defects

The exact cause of most congenital defects is unknown. However, some possible causes include:

• Genetic factors
• Environmental factors
• Maternal health conditions
• Medications taken during pregnancy

Diagnosis and Treatment

Congenital defects can often be diagnosed before birth through prenatal testing. Treatment for congenital defects depends on the specific condition and its severity. Some defects require surgical treatment, while others can be managed with medication or physical therapy.

Related Terms

• Genetic disorder
• Chromosome abnormality
• Neural tube defect
• Fetal alcohol syndrome

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