General information only. This Parent Resource summarizes WHO information about congenital disorders and does not assess an individual newborn.
What does WHO mean by a congenital disorder?
WHO describes congenital disorders as structural or functional anomalies that occur during intrauterine life. They may be identified before birth, at birth or sometimes later in infancy.
Are congenital disorders always caused by one identifiable factor?
No. WHO notes that congenital disorders may involve genetic, infectious, nutritional or environmental factors, while the exact cause is often difficult to identify.
Which severe congenital disorders does WHO highlight?
WHO lists heart defects, neural tube defects and Down syndrome among the most common severe congenital disorders.
Why is newborn screening discussed?
WHO describes newborn screening as an important step toward earlier detection and referral. The conditions included in screening programmes vary between countries.
Screening programmes differ by jurisdiction. This page does not determine which screening tests apply to a particular baby or location.
References
- World Health Organization. Congenital disorders, 27 February 2023.