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Published on 10 May, 2024
Updated on 26 Mar, 2025
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5 min Read
Written by Yashita Sinha
Reviewed by Akhil Pillai
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The March of Dimes Global Report on Birth Defects indicates that approximately 7.9 million babies worldwide are born annually with serious birth defects, and 94% of these cases occur in low- and middle-income countries. Birth defects, though often overlooked, represent a critical public health challenge that demands global attention.
In this blog, we’ll explore birth defects, their types, symptoms, causes, risk factors, diagnostic tests and treatment options. We’ll also discuss the role of health insurance in providing financial security for families dealing with birth defects, ensuring they can access the care and support they need.
Birth defects, also known as congenital abnormalities, are structural or functional abnormalities present in a baby at birth. They can affect many body parts including the brain, heart, bones and other organs, and can range from mild to severe.
Some of the most common types of birth defects include;
Structural defects involve physical abnormalities in the structure of the body. They can affect various body parts, including limbs, the heart, the stomach, and facial features. Examples of structural defects are;
Functional defects primarily affect the functionality of organs or body systems rather than the physical structure of the body. They may not be immediately visible at birth but can significantly impact the child’s development. Common types of functional defects include;
Developmental defects occur when a baby's organs don't develop properly during pregnancy due to factors like genetic mutations, extra or missing chromosomes, or exposure to harmful substances. Some common examples include neural tube defects and autism.
The signs of birth defects can range from mild to severe. Some of the initial signs during pregnancy include;
Some symptoms only start showing up after the birth of a child. The most common ones that can be seen in infants and toddlers include;
While the cause of many birth defects remains unknown, researchers suggest they result from a combination of factors including;
Also Read: What are the Causes of Premature Birth?
Some environmental or health-related factors can increase your potential risk of having a child with a birth defect. These factors include;
Healthcare providers diagnose birth defects during pregnancy or after the birth when symptoms become apparent. Prenatal screening tests can help detect fetal abnormalities. These tests include;
Blood screening tests measure protein levels in the mother’s blood. These proteins are produced by the developing baby or the placenta, and their abnormal levels can indicate a risk of a fetal chromosomal condition.
Ultrasound is a valuable tool for detecting potential birth defects during pregnancy, allowing doctors to monitor the growth and organ development of the baby.
During the second trimester of pregnancy, screening tests are performed to analyse the anatomy of the fetus.
A prenatal blood test that evaluates the risk of certain birth defects by measuring specific substances in the mother's blood.
Also known as a 20-week ultrasound, it monitors the development of fetal organs and body parts and can detect birth defects and anatomical abnormalities. It is performed between 18 to 22 weeks of pregnancy.
Note: Depending on the result of the screening tests, your healthcare provider will suggest more diagnostic tests.
Your healthcare provider decides the treatment option depending on the result of diagnostic tests. These options are primarily focused on reducing the symptoms of the defects. Some commonly recommended treatment options include;
Note: Children with birth defects require special care and treatment. If you’re looking for special care services for your children, it would be best to consult your healthcare provider.
While birth defects are often unavoidable, several steps can be taken to promote healthy pregnancy, including;
Also Read: Which Foods Should Be Avoided During Pregnancy?
Birth defects are complex and can affect both parents and children. If you’re the parent of a child with a birth defect, it’s important to understand the needs of your children so that you can help them in the best possible way. Consulting your healthcare providers and genetic counsellors can help you develop the best possible treatment plan for your children.
Learning that your child has a birth defect is an unfortunate reality that can weigh on you both emotionally and financially. However, health insurance plans in India offer a much-needed peace of mind on this part. Internal birth defects are covered under the policies.
At Care Health Insurance, we have a separate health plan for expecting mothers and newborns- JOY. It offers complete maternity coverage with numerous benefits, including pre and post-hospitalisation coverage, newborn baby and ambulance coverage and also the diagnosis and treatment costs of birth defects. Gift the greatest gift to your newborns with the JOY Maternity Insurance Plan.
Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.
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