Birth defects
Birth defects are quite common. Some are minor and cause little, if any, long term problems. Other birth defects can be life threatening or cause significant disability.
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Noonan syndrome
Children with Noonan syndrome may have odd facial features, restricted growth and heart defects, but most, with therapy, go on to lead normal lives.
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Genetic disorders
Browse our index of articles on genetic disorders to learn about a specific condition. Information includes signs and symptoms of the condition, how it is diagnosed and where to go for support.
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Long QT syndrome
Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a disorder of the heart's electrical system that can cause fast, chaotic heartbeats, called arrhythmias.
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Congenital heart disease
Congenital heart disease is a birth defect, occurring when a baby is born with a heart that hasn’t formed properly. Some forms of the condition are uncomplicated; others can be very serious. Learn about the differences here.
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Craniosynostosis
Craniosynostosis is a birth defect in which the seams (sutures) between the bones in a newborn baby's skull close too early. It can be treated.
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Cystic fibrosis (CF)
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a disease affecting the lungs and digestive system. Treatments can improve the quality of life for people living with CF.
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Aortic coarctation
This is a heart condition in which a section of the aorta, an important blood vessel, is narrowed. Aortic coarctation mainly affects newborn babies.
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Spina bifida
Spina bifida is a birth defect that affects a baby’s spine from early pregnancy. Ensuring enough folate in the diet is the best way to reduce the risk of spina bifida.
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Intersex variation
‘Intersex’ refers to physical, hormonal or chromosomal differences that don’t fit the typical male or female body. They occur in about 1 in every 100 births.
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