Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au
betterhealth.vic.gov.au
  • A birth defect, also called a ‘congenital anomaly’, ‘congenital malformation’, ‘congenital abnormality’ or ‘congenital disorder’ is any abnormality occurring before birth. Birth defects are usually detected during pregnancy, at birth or in early childhood.
  • Birth defects can be major or minor.
  • Most birth defects are structural (how the body is built) or functional (how the body works) or both.
  • Although the cause of many birth defects is unknown, there are things you can do to increase the chance of having a healthy baby.

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 09-08-2022