National Birth Defects Awareness Month, observed in January, is a time to increase awareness of birth defects. We know that an individual’s genetics, social and environmental factors, and behaviors can have an impact on birth defects and that not all birth defects can be prevented. There are things that can help increase a woman’s chances of having a healthy, full-term pregnancy and a healthy baby.

National Birth Defects Prevention Month raises awareness among women and families regarding actions they can take to help have a healthy baby. Birth defects are health conditions that are present at birth. They can cause serious problems in your baby’s overall health, how his body develops and how his/her body works. National Birth Defects Prevention Month is a time to spread the word that there are things you can do to help prevent birth defects in your baby.

Awareness of Birth Defects Across the Lifespan

January is National Birth Defects Awareness Month. Join the nationwide effort to raise awareness of #BirthDefects and their impact on individuals, parents, and families! #AcrossTheLifespan http://go.usa.gov/xeXAV

Birth defects are structural changes present at birth that can affect almost any part of the body. Advancements in medicine and surgery have led to better survival, and thankfully more children born with birth defects grow up to lead full lives. Awareness of birth defects across the lifespan helps provide individuals, parents, and families affected by birth defects the information they need to seek proper care. It also gives healthcare professionals the evidence they need to deliver the best care for patients across all stages of life: before and during pregnancy, and in infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.

In the U.S., about 1 in 33 babies is born with a birth defect each year, according to the CDC. These structural changes present at birth can affect one or more parts of the body and mostly develop in the first three months when a baby’s organs are forming. Common birth defects include congenital heart defects, cleft lip and left palate, and spina bifida.