Prevalence of congenital malformations in newborns

Abstract

Potter defined congenital malformation as an “ abnormality of structure detected at birth or during first few weeks of life26 ”. It can be expanded to include functional disturbances in the organs. Congenital conditions can be referred to as diseases, defects, disorders, anomalies, or simply genetic differences. The usage overlaps, but also involves a valued judgement as to the harmfulness of the condition.