Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Search results for: "neonatal diseases and defects"

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

Long QT syndrome

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a disorder of the heart's electrical system that can cause fast, chaotic heartbeats, called arrhythmias.

Read more

UpBeat app

UpBeat is an app for teenagers with heart conditions (15 to 19 years) who are starting to manage their lives and health care more independently. It is a tool that helps young people with childhood heart disease (CHD) to engage with the health care transition process (moving from paediatric to adult care) and the self-management of their condition.

Read more

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.

Read more

Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18)

Edwards syndrome, also called Trisomy 18, is a genetic disorder in babies that causes severe disability. It is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 18.

Read more

Cri du chat syndrome

Cri du chat (Cry of the cat) syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that causes delayed physical development, a small head size and intellectual disability. Learn more here, including why the condition has this name.

Read more

5 things people with Down syndrome want you to know

About 1 in every 1,100 babies born has Down syndrome — and most will enjoy a long, healthy life. Here's what you need to know about Down syndrome (Trisomy 21).

Read more

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.