Jan 18
CDC Raises Awareness During National Birth Defects Awareness Month

CDC recognizes January as National Birth Defects Awareness Month. This is a time to raise awareness about birth defects and highlight efforts to improve the health of people living with these conditions across their lifespan. Join the nationwide effort to raise awareness of birth defects and their impact on individuals, parents, and families.

Birth Defects affect people in each phase of life. Illustrations of people living: Before and During pregnancy, Infancy, Childhood, Adolescence and Adulthood. Learn more at www.cdc.gov/birthdefects

Awareness of Birth Defects Across the Lifespan

Birth defects are structural changes present at birth that can affect almost any part of the body. Advancements in medicine and surgery have led to better survival, and thankfully more children born with birth defects grow up to lead full lives. Awareness of birth defects across the lifespan helps provide individuals, parents, and families affected by birth defects the information they need to seek proper care. It also gives healthcare professionals the evidence they need to deliver the best care for patients across all stages of life: before and during pregnancy, and in infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.

This toolkit describes some of what scientists have learned about

  • birth defects prevention before and during pregnancy
  • survival and health of infants with birth defects
  • educational needs and special healthcare needs for children with birth defects
  • transition from pediatric to adult medical care for adolescents
  • planning for pregnancy, recurrence prevention, and genetics and family history for adults with birth defects

Before and During Pregnancy

Illustration of a pregnant mother and father

Birth defects can happen for many reasons. Although not all birth defects can be prevented, people can increase their chances of having a healthy baby by managing health conditions and adopting healthy behaviors before becoming pregnant.

Infancy

Illustration of two happy babies

Having a baby is a special, life-changing experience, but it can also present challenges for new parents. Parents of a child with a birth defect can face these challenges and prepare for their child’s needs by learning about their child’s condition.

Childhood

Illustration of children playing together. One child in a wheelchair the other jumping rope.

Meeting the complex needs of a person with birth defects involves the whole family and can be challenging at times. But finding resources, knowing what to expect, and planning for the future can help.

Adolescence

Illustration of two young adults in front of a blackboard. A young woman using assistive walking canes.

Adolescents and young adults living with birth defects may face unique challenges as they transition from childhood to adulthood. Transition to adult health care can be tricky for teens and young adults living with a birth defect.

Adulthood

Illustration of mother, father and their child.

With every pregnancy, a woman starts out with a 3% chance of having a baby with a birth defect, regardless of underlying health conditions or lifestyle factors. Many women with birth defects and other health conditions have healthy, uneventful pregnancies.