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Condition

Pediatric Birth Defects

What You Need to Know

A birth defect is a health problem or abnormal physical change that is present when a baby is born. Birth defects range from very mild to life-threatening and limiting.

Key Symptoms

Symptoms vary widely. They depend on the type of birth defect. They can include things such as abnormal shape of head, eyes, ears, mouth or face, abnormal shape of hands, feet or limbs, kidney, heart or intestinal problems, or other symptoms.

Diagnosis

Many birth defects can be diagnosed before birth with tests. Your healthcare provider may perform blood tests, prenatal screening, fetal ultrasound or other diagnostic tests.

Treatment

There is no cure for birth defects. But children can often be treated to help reduce problems.

Appointments

Our team is standing by to schedule your child’s appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Prevention and Risk Assessment

What is a birth defect in children?

What causes birth defects in a child?

Which children are at risk for birth defects?

What are the symptoms of birth defects in a child?

What are possible complications of birth defects in a child?

How can I help prevent birth defects in my child?

Diagnosis

How are birth defects diagnosed in a child?

Treatment

How are birth defects treated in a child?

How can I help my child live with a birth defect?

Next steps

Meet the Providers Who Treat Birth Defects

Tyson and Tyler's Story

Before they had even entered the world, Children's National doctors had hatched a plan to safely deliver and then separate conjoined twins Tyson and Tyler.

Departments that Treat Birth Defects

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