Every new parent's wish is that their baby will be born healthy. In fact, having a healthy baby is such a concern for parents that the excitement of every scan appointment is usually accompanied by a subtle feeling of dread. What if there’s something wrong with my baby?

While some congenital problems can be detected in babies during pregnancy, other issues may not be detected until after the baby is born.

It can feel a little scary to hear about the kinds of problems babies can develop. And while we certainly don’t want to scare you, it’s helpful to know what treatment is available if your baby is in this rare minority.

Down’s syndrome

Down’s is the most common chromosomal abnormality, affecting 1 in 1000 newborns. Babies with Down’s usually have learning difficulties, developmental delay, and an increased risk of congenital abnormalities such as heart problems. There are typical features associated with Down’s syndrome, such as upward slanting eyes, a single crease across the palms, loose muscles and joints and a head shape that is flatter at the back.

Down’s is caused by an extra chromosome 21. If the mother is older, the chances of Down’s are more likely, however, you may be surprised to hear that most babies born with Down’s are born to mothers under 35.

What can you do?

Some parents choose to have a termination after being told that they are expecting a child with Down’s. Parents who continue with pregnancy usually find that their child grows up happy and healthy, can advance in education and enjoy some independence. Life expectancy with Down’s syndrome is around 60 years.

Talipes

This is a condition where a baby is born with one or both feet curled down and inward, also known as club foot. This is usually caused by their position in the uterus.

What can you do?

If the feet can be curled back to their normal position, then this will usually rectify itself in time. Physiotherapy may be needed, and a physiotherapist may need to monitor the process. If the talipes is severe, where the foot cannot be curled back to the right position, then surgery is required to lengthen the tendons - the results of surgery are excellent with babies growing up to use their feet perfectly.

Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia refers to when a baby is born with a hip socket that is too shallow, making the hip dislocatable. It affects about 1 in 1,000 babies and is more common in girls than boys. After the baby is born, the midwife or paediatrician will check the hips to ensure they are moving around in their sockets correctly. An ultrasound may be carried out if they suspect the baby has hip dysplasia.

The risk of hip dysplasia increases if the baby is breech, has talipes, or has a family history of congenital dislocation.

What can you do?

Treatment involves holding the hips together using a splint until the hips develop properly. If the condition goes undetected, the baby will grow up and walk with a limp and need surgery.

Cleft lip and palate

This condition affects 1 in 700 babies and refers to when two halves of the face don’t join up properly, causing a gap in the upper lip and/or palate. A cleft lip can either be symmetrical, but more commonly affects one side, distorting the nostril. This can sometimes be detected antenatally but isn’t always, so initially, it may come as a shock. Evidence suggests that extra folic acid in pregnancy can reduce the risk of cleft lip.

What can you do?

Special teats may be needed to help with feeding. Usually, around three months after your baby’s birth, surgery is done to close the gap in the lips. Surgery to close the gap in the palate usually happens at around nine months. The child may need further cosmetic surgery when they are older.

What are some common congenital problems in babies? (Part 1)

These common issues can often be managed or treated.