Birth Defects

Did You Know? is a weekly feature from the Office for State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support to inform your prevention activities. We invite you to read, share, and take action!

View the Current Did You Know?

April 7, 2017

About 1 in 10 US pregnant women with confirmed Zika infection in 2016 had a fetus or baby with birth defects.
Babies born with Zika-related birth defects require specialized follow-up care and developmental monitoring.
Health departments can coordinate pregnancy surveillance with Zika birth defects surveillance to ensure all affected babies are identified and families are connected to appropriate medical and social services.

February 27, 2015

Birth defects affect nearly 8 million babies around the globe; join CDC in observing the first-annual World Birth Defects Day on Tuesday, March 3.
More than 90% of all infants with serious birth defects are born in middle- and low-income countries, which often don’t have services [PDF–526MB] to care for these children.
CDC and 11 global partners encourage you to raise awareness about birth defects worldwide.

January 16, 2015

Folic acid fortification of foods, like bread and pasta, has helped about 1,300 more US babies to be born each year without a major birth defect of the brain or spine.
These 9 health habits can reduce a baby’s risk for birth defects.
You can share National Birth Defects Prevention Network resources to help prevent birth defects and Make a PACT for Prevention [PDF–1.4MB].

September 19, 2014

One in four adults who thought they had sickle cell disease (SCD) did not actually have it or even the gene (sickle cell trait) that causes it.
About 3 million people living in the US do have sickle cell trait, but many are unaware of their status [PDF-222KB].
You could have a baby with SCD [PDF-1.3MB] if both you and your partner have sickle cell disease, sickle cell trait, or another abnormal hemoglobin gene. A local sickle cell center can help you get screened and learn your status.

September 19, 2014

One in four adults who thought they had sickle cell disease (SCD) did not actually have it or even the gene (sickle cell trait) that causes it.
About 3 million people living in the US do have sickle cell trait, but many are unaware of their status [PDF-222KB].
You could have a baby with SCD [PDF-1.3MB] if both you and your partner have sickle cell disease, sickle cell trait, or another abnormal hemoglobin gene. A local sickle cell center can help you get screened and learn your status.

December 6, 2013

A new CDC study found a 42% increase in the prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in US children aged 4 to 17 years between 2003 and 2011, as reported by parents—estimates vary widely among states.
Children with ADHD are more likely to have problems in school, have strained family and peer relationships, and be injured than children without ADHD.
Knowing the symptoms of ADHD is essential so children can get the help they need and reach their full potential.

September 27, 2013

Each year, about 4,000 infants die suddenly and unexpectedly without an obvious cause of death.
Improved national reporting and understanding of unexplained infant deaths can inform prevention strategies.
Nine states now conduct enhanced child death reviews and participate in CDC’s Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Case Registry.

January 18, 2013

One in 33 babies in the United States is born with a major birth defect.
Adopting healthy behaviors before and during pregnancy, such as consuming folic acid daily, can reduce the risk for birth defects.
Educational materials can promote awareness of birth defects, especially during National Birth Defects Prevention Month in January.

January 4, 2013

Taking folic acid before and during early pregnancy can help prevent many neural tube defects (major birth defects of a baby’s brain and spine).
In the US, neural tube defects affect 3,000 pregnancies every year, with higher rates among Hispanic women.
CDC has folic acid resources in English and Spanish for use during National Folic Acid Awareness Week in January and all through the year.

October 12, 2012

Sickle cell disease affects nearly 100,000 Americans; more than 3 million people carry the sickle cell gene, which is inherited.
CDC offers tips on living well with sickle cell disease, along with videos, a self-care toolkit [PDF-3.9MB], and information about complications and treatments.
The Strategies from the Field [PDF-4.4MB] report showcases unique ways states use data collection to help improve the health of people with sickle cell disease.

February 3, 2012

Every 15 minutes a baby is born with a congenital heart defect.
Congenital heart defects are a leading cause of infant death and can result in lifelong disability.
Reducing obesity, controlling diabetes, and preventing tobacco exposure [PDF-189KB] before and during pregnancy are actions that may help prevent congenital heart defects.

December 16, 2011

The Environmental Public Health Tracking Network's improved data query system makes it easier to view environmental and health data for counties and states.
The Tracking Network now includes climate and health data related to heat events and community design content.
Public health professionals can use Tracking Network data to identify health trends, develop interventions, and address local environmental public health concerns.

December 16, 2011

The Environmental Public Health Tracking Network's improved data query system makes it easier to view environmental and health data for counties and states.
The Tracking Network now includes climate and health data related to heat events and community design content.
Public health professionals can use Tracking Network data to identify health trends, develop interventions, and address local environmental public health concerns.

December 16, 2011

The Environmental Public Health Tracking Network's improved data query system makes it easier to view environmental and health data for counties and states.
The Tracking Network now includes climate and health data related to heat events and community design content.
Public health professionals can use Tracking Network data to identify health trends, develop interventions, and address local environmental public health concerns.

December 16, 2011

The Environmental Public Health Tracking Network's improved data query system makes it easier to view environmental and health data for counties and states.
The Tracking Network now includes climate and health data related to heat events and community design content.
Public health professionals can use Tracking Network data to identify health trends, develop interventions, and address local environmental public health concerns.