We know that this date’s official name is World Birth Defects Day. To avoid the stigmatization the word “defects” carries, at TeletonUSA Foundation, we have decided to use the term “conditions” to commemorate this day.
What are birth conditions?
Birth conditions are health factors present at birth that alter the shape or function of one or more body parts. These conditions can be diagnosed before, during, or after birth. On average, birth conditions affect 1 in every 33 babies born in the United States, which translates to 120,000 babies each year.
Some birth conditions are easy to see, but others are diagnosed with x-rays and hearing tests. Its causes may be genetic, disorders that occur during pregnancy, or things such as smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy, obesity, or being an older mother.
The most common birth conditions are:
- Cleft lip and palate
- Spina bifida, also called myelomeningocele
- Down Syndrome
Why do we have World Birth Conditions Day?
This day is important for three reasons:
First, to expand the prevention, care, and research of birth conditions.
Second, to raise awareness about the importance of giving all women access to health services during pregnancy.
Third, it makes society aware of the need to guarantee access to rehabilitation services for children born with a congenital condition that causes disability.
TeletonUSA Foundation and congenital conditions
At CRIT, we have early stimulation therapy, which cares for children with risk factors at birth. These factors include being underweight, short-height, or any minor challenge.
Early intervention represents the possibility of adequate development according to each patient’s expectations. This clinic aims to give all children with congenital disabilities the tools they need to enjoy the best possible quality of life.