Birth defects

What is Craniosynostosis? Craniosynostosis is a birth defect in which the bones in a baby’s skull join together too early. This happens before the baby’s brain is fully formed. As the baby’s brain grows, the skull can become more misshapen. The spaces between a typical baby’s skull bones are filled …

Definition Gastroschisis is a relatively uncommon condition that occurs in approximately 1 in 5,000 live births. It is one of a group of birth defects known as abdominal wall defects, which occur very early in gestation and are characterized by an opening in the abdominal wall of the fetus. Most …

Definition of Cleft lip and palates A “cleft” is a split or a divide. Cleft lips and palates happen before birth. A baby can have a cleft lip, cleft palate, or both. A cleft lip may be on one or both sides of the upper lip. The split may also …

What is Cerebral Palsy? Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. CP is the most common motor disability in childhood. Cerebral means having to do with the brain. Palsy means weakness or problems with using the muscles. …

Description Esophageal atresia (EA) is a rare birth defect in which a baby is born without part of the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach). Instead of forming a tube between the mouth and the stomach, the esophagus grows in two separate segments that do not …

Introduction A birth defect is a problem that occurs when a baby is developing in utero (in the womb). Birth defects are structural changes present at birth that can affect almost any part or parts of the body (e.g., heart, brain, foot). They may affect how the body looks, works, …

Definition The Meconium aspiration syndrome is a respiratory disorder occurring in the newborn babies. MAS develops when the meconium is inhaled by the babies when they are in the womb or during the labor. Due to which meconium is trapped in the airways and lungs that causes suffocation during respiration. …

Definition Infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS) is a lung disorder that complicates the breathing process of newborns. This disorder is more common in premature infants. It occurs due to insufficient surfactant in the lungs. A surfactant is composed of proteins and fats, which helps the lungs to be inflated and …