Concept 35: What Are the 10 Most Common Birth Defects?

 A: The 10 most common birth defects are:

1. Congenital heart defects: These are abnormalities in the heart's structure and function, and affect approximately 1 in 100 newborns.
2. Down syndrome: This genetic condition results from an extra copy of chromosome 21, and occurs in approximately 1 in 700 births.
3. Cleft lip and palate: This occurs when the tissues that form the roof of the mouth and upper lip do not join together properly during fetal development, and affects approximately 1 in 700 births.
4. Neural tube defects: These are birth defects that occur when the neural tube, which forms the brain and spinal cord, fails to close properly during fetal development. Neural tube defects affect approximately 1 in 1,000 births.
5. Clubfoot: This is a condition in which a baby's foot is turned inward or downward. It affects approximately 1 in 1,000 births.
6. Polydactyly: This is a condition in which a baby is born with extra fingers or toes, and affects approximately 1 in 500 births.
7. Spina bifida: This is a type of neural tube defect that affects the spinal cord, and occurs in approximately 1 in 1,000 births.
8. Gastroschisis: This is a birth defect in which the baby's intestines protrude through a hole in the abdominal wall, and occurs in approximately 1 in 2,000 births.
9. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: This is a condition in which the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest and abdominal cavities, fails to fully form, allowing abdominal organs to move into the chest. It affects approximately 1 in 2,500 births.
10. Trisomy: Also known as Edwards syndrome, this genetic condition is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 18, and affects approximately 1 in 6,000 births.