About one in every 33 babies in the United States is born with a birth defect. A birth defect, according to Kids Health, part of the Nemours Foundation’s Center for Children’s Health Media, is defined as abnormalities of structure, function, or body metabolism that are present at birth. It’s said that birth defects are one of the leading causes of infant death in the first year of life. Birth defects can range from mild to severe. MedlinePlus, The National Institute of Health’s website says that babies with birth defects may need to have surgery or other medical treatments. With as many birth defects there are in the world, many are still left unknown as to why they are still occurring. Birth defects can develop through substance abuse, infections in …show more content…
“The defects can involve the walls of the heart, the valves of the heart, and the arteries and veins near the heart. They can disrupt the normal flow of blood through the heart. “The blood flow can slow down, go in the wrong direction or to the wrong place, or be blocked completely (“Congenital”).” Mothers need to be aware of what can cause a birth defect, so they can do everything they can to prevent a birth defect from happening to their child. The first thing to know about birth defects is what exactly causes them to occur? There are many factors that come together that could possibly cause a birth defect. “The majority of birth defects are considered the result of multiple environmental and/or genetic causes acting together (Weinhold qtd. in “Defining”).” Also According to Bob Weinhold, nutrient imbalances, maternal smoking and alcohol use, pesticides, tap water disinfection by-products, plastics and plastics components, solvents, metals, and numerous air pollutants can also be the cause of birth