Sonoma County Maternal Child and Adolescent Health

Not all birth defects are preventable, but healthy lifestyle choices lower the risk of birth defects. A combination of Exposures and Risk Factors contribute to raising or reducing the chances of birth defects.

• Environmental Factors, like infection, toxic chemical exposure, and substance use, are associated with 10% of birth defects.

• Chromosomal Abnormalities play a role in 20% of birth defects.

• 70% of Birth Defects have an unknown cause, but many are likely a combination of gene-environment interaction.

Click Here to Learn More about Risk Factors

Click Here to learn more about Genetic and Environmental Factors

Link to Resource:

10 things you need to know about birth defects.

How Common Are Birth Defects?

birth defects affect 1 in 33 babies and cause

1 in 5 infant deaths.

Did You Know?

Folic Acid supplements and Vaccinations can prevent birth defects.

Early Entry to Prenatal Care

can help ensure a healthy pregnancy

and a healthy baby

There is no 'Safe' amount of alcohol

while pregnant

avoiding alcohol can prevent birth defects