The term congenital means present at birth, and such defects are usually thought of as being the result of faulty development during pregnancy (teratogenic defects), but they can in fact be inherited (genetic or chromosomal defects). Birth defects may affect any organ, and are often multiple; they range from minor changes in shape to severe cases incompatible with life and are often responsible for early miscarriages. However, a congenital defects can be detect during pregnancy, at birth, year after or never.



Congenital defects is any medical condition present before birth, at birth, years later, or never. It is the result of a genetic abnormalities, environment and mixture of both, errors of morphogenesis and other unknown factors.

This conditions may either referred to diseases, defects, disorders, anomalies, or simply genetic difference. It maybe a result during the embryonic development, cells sort out different layers to different adhesion.

When the fetus is damage during the early months of development it may result from the well known infection the German measles and syphilis, but the other severe feverish illness in the absorption of toxic substances by the fetus through placenta. These include drugs, alcohol and toxic substances in tobacco, but some environmental toxins such as pesticides are now also thought to be responsible, either by direct effects on the fetus or by causing chromosome damage in the sex cells before pregnancy.

One of the most common chromosomal congenital defects is Down syndrome, which result from an abnormality, present before conception, in the genetic make up of the ovum in the woman or of the sperm in the man from which the baby develops. Such babies suffer from a variable degree of mental retardation and are usually recognizable at birth by a number of definite physical characteristics: short, broad face; slated eyes; short fingers; distinctive crease pattern on the hands.

Occasionally they also have birth defects of the heart and they are susceptible to various respiratory infections. The frequency of Down's syndrome increases with the age of the parents either the father or a mother especially after the age of 35. When appropriate a doctor will recommend to an expectant mother to have an amniocentesis.

There is no treatment or cure for down syndrome, and life expectancy is variable and may be shorter than normal. Most victims have a gentle, affectionate natures. Any family faced the responsibility for a Down's baby should be first discuss the problem with their doctor and if possible, with other parents of Down's children. They should also contact one of the many Down's syndrome association which operate in all major centers.