National Birth Defects Prevention Network

09/09/2025 is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day. Help spread the word that no amount of alcohol during pregnancy is safe for a developing baby. The CDC offers many resources to help. Here is a quick video you can share.

Patient Video: 5 Things Your Doctor Wants You to Know About Alcohol and Pregnancy This video presents five things a doctor wants their patients to know about alcohol and pregnancy and is intended for patients who are pregnant or intend to ...

Gastroschisis is the condition where a baby is born with their organs outside of the body due to the abdominal wall not forming completely in the womb. Specific risk factors include: younger mothers, substance exposure (alcohol, to***co, and drugs), infections during pregnancy, and certain medications. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about healthy choices before and during your pregnancy to reduce your risks!

Research is still being done to link the risk for birth defects in children born to mothers who are Hepatitis B positive, but knowing your risks is vital to a healthy pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider about Hepatitis and other infections in pregnancy.

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Tomorrow is World Hepatitis Day! Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, most commonly cause by a viral infection. Hepatitis in pregnancy can lead to several complications for mom and baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks.

Cleft lip and palate can have emotional and social impacts on individuals and their families. With proper care and treatment, individuals with clefts can often lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

Fragile X syndrome is a genetic disorder than can affect both males and females. This condition vary in symptoms and typically leads to intellectual impairment, behavioral, emotional, and emotional challenges. This condition can be diagnosed during pregnancy through amniocentesis and other testing. Prenatal testing allows for early detection, allowing families to plan and prepare for the child's needs.

Help protect your baby from infection during pregnancy, including Group B Strep (GBS). Many infections can be reduced with healthy pregnancy behaviors such as: early and regular prenatal care, proper handwashing, immunizations, avoid bodily fluids and understanding the risks to you and your baby.

Cleft lip and cleft palate are common birth defects that affect thousands of babies each year. These conditions can affect the ability to eat, breathe, speak and so much else. Treatment often includes multiple surgeries - which can continue well into adolescence and/or young adulthood, as well as speech and occupational therapies.

Did you know? Group B strep is the leading cause of sepsis and meningitis in a newborn’s first week of life. For information and resources on how to help protect babies from GBS disease during pregnancy through early infancy, please visit: www.groupbstrepinternational.org

Cleft lip and palate happen very early in pregnancy. Smoking before becoming pregnant and during your pregnancy can increase your child's risk of developing a cleft. Family history of clefts and poorly controlled diabetes can also increase your child's chances. Be sure to discuss these and other risks with your healthcare provider before becoming pregnant.

As this year's National Conference is coming to a close, we want to recognize some of our esteemed Award Recipients. Congratulations to all nominees and winners, and a huge thank you to everyone who attended.