What are Birth Defects?

By Editorial Team , National Institute of Health

Dec 26, 2012

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Birth defects are structural or functional abnormalities present at birth that cause physical or mental disability. Some may be fatal.

Researchers have identified thousands of different birth defects. Currently, birth defects are the leading cause of death for infants during the first year of life.

The March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation defines "birth defects" as:

An abnormality of structure, function, or metabolism (body chemistry) present at birth that results in physical or mental disability, or is fatal.

To date, researchers have identified thousands of different birth defects.

Currently, birth defects rank as the leading cause of death for infants during the first year of life.

Read more articles on Birth Defects.

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