Data and Statistics on Birth Defects

What to know

  • Birth defects are structural changes present at birth that can affect almost any part of the body, such as the heart, brain, or foot.
  • National estimates of the frequency of birth defects use data from state birth defects tracking systems.
  • These tables present current national estimates of certain birth defects in the United States
Doctor sitting at a laptop, with a graphic of a survey layered over the photo.

National estimates by birth defect

Infographic with text that reads "1 in 33 babies is born with a birth defect in the U.S. each year" and a list of the 5 Most Common defects
Birth defects affect families across the United States
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Content Source:
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities