BIRTH DEFECT Meaning and
Definition
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A birth defect is a term used to describe an abnormality or an anomaly present in a baby at birth. It refers to a physical, structural, or functional problem that occurs during the development of an unborn child, typically within the womb. These defects can affect any part of the body, such as the organs, limbs, or sensory organs.
Birth defects can arise from various factors, including genetic mutations, exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy, infections, and maternal health conditions. They can be classified into different categories based on the systems or parts they affect, such as cardiovascular defects, neural tube defects, or craniofacial anomalies.
The severity and impact of birth defects vary widely. Some defects may be minor and have minimal impact on a baby's overall health and well-being, while others can be life-threatening or result in long-term disabilities. Common examples include cleft lip or palate, heart defects, spina bifida, or Down syndrome.
Diagnosis of birth defects may occur during routine prenatal screening tests or through more specialized diagnostic procedures like ultrasounds or genetic testing. Treatment options for birth defects depend on the specific condition and can range from surgical interventions to ongoing medical care, therapy, or assistive devices.
Furthermore, support systems and resources are available to provide families with necessary information, guidance, and emotional support when dealing with these conditions. Additionally, preventative measures such as prenatal care, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding harmful substances during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of birth defects.
Common Misspellings for BIRTH DEFECT
- virth defect
- nirth defect
- hirth defect
- girth defect
- burth defect
- bjrth defect
- bkrth defect
- borth defect
- b9rth defect
- b8rth defect
- bieth defect
- bidth defect
- bifth defect
- bitth defect
- bi5th defect
- bi4th defect
- birrh defect
- birfh defect
- birgh defect
Etymology of BIRTH DEFECT
The term "birth defect" is composed of two words: "birth" and "defect".
The word "birth" comes from the Old English word "byrþ", which means "being born" or "bringing forth offspring". It can also be traced back to the Proto-Germanic root "*berþaną", meaning "give birth" or "bear". The etymology of "birth" ultimately stems from the Proto-Indo-European root "*bʰer-", meaning "carry" or "bring".
The word "defect" has its origins in the Latin word "defectus", which means "failure" or "imperfection". It comes from the past participle of the verb "deficere", which combines "de" (meaning "down" or "away") and "facere" (meaning "to do" or "to make").
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