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    What Do You Know About Birth Defects?

    "Birth defects" is a medical term to describe health conditions that can develop in a baby before birth. It's important to know that this term doesn't imply that a baby is defective. There's a lot to know about various conditions that can occur before birth. Take this quiz to learn more.

    1. How many babies in the U.S. are born with birth defects?
    2. When is an unborn baby most at risk of developing a birth defect?
    3. Which of these is a common birth defect?
    4. Which of these habits of the pregnant person can be harmful to the fetus?
    5. A health checkup is recommended if you are pregnant or considering pregnancy. Which of these vaccines should be up to date before pregnancy because of the danger of the disease to the fetus?
    6. Health care providers advise taking 400 mcg of folic acid daily before getting pregnant and during pregnancy. What can this help prevent in the baby?
    7. Avoid handling cat litter when pregnant to lower the risk of becoming infected with which of these?
    8. Which of these kinds of medicines can cause birth defects if taken when pregnant?
    9. During prenatal care, a healthcare provider may advise genetic screening tests for certain disorders. What is one thing that amniocentesis tests for?
    10. Extra or missing chromosomes trigger genetic birth defects. What factor greatly increases the risk for an abnormal number of chromosomes in the fetus?
    Online Medical Reviewer: Tara Novick BSN MSN
    Online Medical Reviewer: Trevino, Heather, BSN, RNC
    Date Last Reviewed: 7/1/2025
    © 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center
    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

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