National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities

Birth Defects

Birth Defects Were Top Cause of Infant Death in Most Recent Data Release
Proper healthcare before and during pregnancy can help prevent birth defects associated with risks, including diabetes, and other poor outcomes, such as miscarriage or stillbirth.  (Published January 22, 2010)

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Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

The Congenital Disease Mothers Don’t Know About
Frequent, thorough handwashing is one way a mother can reduce her chance of getting CMV and potentially passing it along to her unborn baby.   (Published May 22, 2009)

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Disability and Health

Racial and Ethnic Differences in Self-Related Health Status Among Adults With and Without Disabilities
Strategies to reduce racial health inequalities must improve the health and well-being of people with disabilities as well  (Published Ocotber 16, 2008)

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Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome Cases at Birth Increased
The total number of cases at birth in the US increased by 24.2% from 1979-1983 to 1999-2003 in 10 regions.  (Published December 23, 2009)

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FASD

Drinking While Pregnant Still a Problem
Alcohol use during pregnancy can cause birth defects and developmental disabilities. Women who are pregnant or might get pregnant should abstain from using alcohol. (Published April 20, 2010)

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Folic Acid

Use of Supplements Containing Folic Acid Among Women of Childbearing Age - United States, 2007
Birth defects affect approximately one in 33 newborns and are a leading cause of infant mortality in the United States. (Published December 16, 2009)

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Hearing Loss

Infants Screened for Hearing Loss
Each year in the U.S., more than 12,000 babies are born with a hearing loss. Undetected hearing loss can affect a child’s ability to develop communication, language, and social skills. (Published May 19, 2010)

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Pregnancy

Average Duration of Pregnancy, by Number of Births (per Pregnancy)
Expecting more than one baby? Work with your health care provider to minimize the risk of premature birth. (Published November 18, 2008)

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Sickle Cell Disease

Children with Sickle Cell Disease had Significantly Higher Medical Costs Than Those Without SCD
Medical costs of children with SCD were $9,369 and $13,469 higher than those of children without SCD enrolled in Medicaid and private insurance, respectively. Total pediatric medical costs from SCD in the United States were estimated to be at least $335 million per year. (Published April 16, 2010)

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Spina Bifida

Trends in Spina Bifida, United States, 1991 - 2005
Women of childbearing age: take at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily to reduce neural tube defects like spina bifida. (Published January 15, 2009)

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Trends in Spina Bifida by Race/Ethnicity, United States
Women of childbearing age: consume at least 400 mcg of folic acid daily to prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida. (Published January 22, 2009)

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