A congenital disease, defect, abnormality, difference or other condition is one that has been present since birth. What’s important to know about congenital diseases or abnormalities is that they might be inherited or they might be de novo—spontaneous and new and not related to family history. Congenital conditions can have genetic causes such as an inherited disease or a new genetic mutation, including extra or fewer chromosomes, or environmental causes such as alcohol exposure during pregnancy or high levels of air pollution around a pregnant person.
Congenital conditions may be correctable or curable or may be lifelong disabilities or differences. They can also be as benign as a birthmark. They may be outwardly visible, such as a missing or extra finger, or not visible, such as a heart defect.
