Understanding the Causes of Major Birth Defects: Steps to Prevention

Birth defects are serious conditions that involve changes to the structure of one or more parts of the body. While the causes of many birth defects are still unknown, their importance and the impact on peoples’ lives are quite clear. Birth defects are common, occurring in 1 of every 33 babies born every year in the United States. Additionally, birth defects are a leading cause of pediatric hospitalizations and medical expenditures. CDC and its partners are working together to identify both genetic and environmental risk factors that may contribute to the development of birth defects. We have made great advances, but there is still much that can be done to understand and prevent birth defects. This session of Grand Rounds discussed some of the research underway to identify the risk factors for birth defects, and develop the key intervention strategies that can be used to help ensure that every child is born in the best possible health.


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