Causes Of Birth Defects

Causes Of Birth Defects

Every year, an estimated 7.9 million infants (6% of worldwide births) are born with serious birth defects. Although some congenital defects can be controlled and treated, an estimated 3.2 million of these children are disabled for life. Moreover, birth defects are the leading cause of infant mortality in the United States. But where do these defects come from? Although some birth defects are inherited, others are a product of harmful environmental factors known as teratogens, and still others are multifactorial, resulting from a complex interaction of genetic and environmental influences. However, in approximately half of all birth defect cases, the causes are unknown (Christianson et al., 2006). Genetic causes of birth defects fall into three general categories: chromosomal abnormalities, single-gene defects, and multifactorial influences. Prenatalenvironment can play a major role in the development of defects in all three categories, especially those linked to multifactorial causes.

Causes Of Birth Defects

Causes Of Birth Defects

Causes Of Birth Defects

Causes Of Birth Defects

Causes Of Birth Defects

Causes Of Birth Defects

Causes Of Birth Defects

Causes Of Birth Defects

Causes Of Birth Defects