birth defect

noun

Pathology.

1. any physical, mental, or biochemical abnormality present at birth.

Example Sentences

The approach was abandoned due to a significant misunderstanding of the thalidomide tragedy—when thousands of babies outside the U.S. were born with severe birth defects.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It is one of the only pain relievers recommended for pregnant women, as others like ibuprofen have been linked to birth defects and other adverse outcomes.

Read more on BBC

In fact, studies show that untreated fever in pregnancy is associated with higher risk of heart and facial birth defects, miscarriage and neurodevelopmental disorders — including autism.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

They also tracked with studies linking the chemicals to miscarriage, reproductive problems, birth defects and developmental problems other than autism.

Read more on Salon

Healy also stated that “any drug that causes birth defects will cause autism spectrum disorder also,” a claim that has no basis in any scientific research.

Read more on Los Angeles Times