Birth Defects: Put Your Knowledge to the Test

January is Birth Defects Prevention Month. Every 4.5 minutes a baby is born with a birth defect. How much do you know about birth defects? Take our quiz to find out.

Major birth defects are conditions present at birth that cause structural changes in one or more parts of the body. They can have a serious, adverse effect on health, development, or functional ability.

CDC's Work

CDC works to identify causes of birth defects, find opportunities to prevent them, and improve the health of those living with birth defects. By applying a public health approach incorporating three essential elements—surveillance or disease tracking, research to identify causes, and prevention research and programs—we can rapidly translate scientific findings into appropriate public health interventions. Understanding the potential causes of birth defects can lead to recommendations, policies, and services to help prevent them. CDC works toward a day when every child is born with the best health possible.

Learn about CDC’s work

More Information

• Healthy Pregnancy
• Birth Defects Home
• National Birth Defects Prevention Study
• National Birth Defects Prevention Network
• Steps for Healthier Babies
• Health E-Cards
  • Birth Defects: Every 4 ½ Minutes
  • Birth Defects Affect Us All
• Podcasts
  • Folic Acid: Helping to Ensure a Healthy Pregnancy. English or Spanish)
  • Ten Tips to Prevent Infections during Pregnancy. (English or Spanish)
  • Put Down That Drink if You Are Pregnant (or Trying to Be)! (English or Spanish)
  • If You're Pregnant, Don't Smoke. (English or Spanish)