March of Dimes Birth Defects Prevention Month
January 2003

The March of Dimes Birth Defects Prevention Month is observed in January. Birth defects are abnormal physical, mental, or medical problems that can occur before or during birth. Birth defects can range from the presence of an extra finger or toe to a serious heart defect. Many factors can lead to birth defects. For example, Down's Syndrome and Sickle Cell Anemia are both caused by genetic factors. Other defects can be caused by drug use during pregnancy, some medications, and other chemicals. However, the causes of the vast majority of birth defects remain a mystery.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), birth defects are present in one of every 33 babies born in the United States. That translates to about 120,000 babies born each year. Birth defects are the leading cause of death in children less than 1 year of age, causing one in every five deaths. Defects of the limbs and heart are the most common kinds of birth defects.

The good news is that scientists are discovering new ways of preventing and treating birth defects. They are making great strides in locating some of the genes that cause birth defects, bringing new hope for future treatments and cures. Genetic counseling can also provide parents with information about their risks, based on family history, age, ethnic or racial background, and other factors. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about genetic screening and preventative measures you can take to protect your unborn baby. To learn more about the March of Dimes Birth Defects Prevention Month, go to http://www.modimes.org.