Top Reasons, Why Some Women Give Birth to Babies With Disabilities: Understanding the Causes, Risk Factors and Prevention

Genetic conditions, infections during pregnancy, nutritional deficiencies and certain environmental exposures can affect a baby’s development, but many congenital conditions occur for reasons that remain unknown.

The birth of a baby with a congenital condition or disability can raise questions for parents about what happened during pregnancy, whether the condition could have been prevented and what support the child may need. Medical evidence shows that several factors can influence a baby’s development before birth, including genetic changes, maternal infections, nutritional deficiencies, certain medications and underlying health conditions. However, many congenital conditions have no identifiable cause, and giving birth to a baby with a disability does not automatically mean the mother did anything wrong.

The World Health Organization (WHO) describes congenital disorders as structural or functional conditions that develop during pregnancy and may be identified before birth, at delivery or later in infancy. Some affect the heart, brain, spine or other organs, while others influence hearing, vision, movement or intellectual development.

These conditions vary considerably. Some can be treated or corrected through medical care, surgery or rehabilitation, while others require lifelong support. A child’s future health and development depend on the particular condition, its severity and access to appropriate care.

Understanding the possible causes is important for families and communities because it can help reduce preventable risks, improve antenatal care and challenge misconceptions that often surround the birth of children with disabilities.

What does it mean when a baby is born with a disability?

A disability is a broad term covering physical, sensory, intellectual and developmental impairments that may affect how a person moves, communicates, learns or interacts with the environment.

Some disabilities are present from birth, while others develop later because of illness, injury or other circumstances. Not every disability is caused by a congenital disorder, and not every baby born with a congenital condition will have a lifelong disability.

Examples of conditions that may be present at birth include:

• Down syndrome: A genetic condition usually associated with an extra copy of chromosome 21.

• Spina bifida: A neural tube defect in which the spine and its protective structures do not develop completely.

• Congenital heart defects: Structural problems with the heart that develop before birth.

• Cleft lip or palate: A condition in which the tissues forming the lip or roof of the mouth do not join completely.

• Congenital hearing or vision conditions: Problems that affect hearing or sight and may be detected at birth or later.

• Clubfoot: A condition in which one or both feet turn inward or downward and may require treatment.

The severity of these conditions differs. For example, some children with clubfoot respond well to treatment, while certain heart or neurological conditions may require complex medical interventions.

The WHO notes that some congenital conditions can be prevented or treated, but others may have lasting effects on a child’s health and development

1. Genetic and chromosomal conditions

One of the reasons some babies are born with congenital conditions is a change in their genes or chromosomes.

Genes carry biological instructions that influence how the body develops and functions. Chromosomes contain these genes. Changes in either can affect the development of organs, the brain and other parts of the body.

Some genetic conditions are inherited from one or both parents. Others result from genetic changes that occur for the first time in the developing baby, even when neither parent has the condition.

Down syndrome, for example, is usually caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. It is not caused by something a woman ate, thought or did during pregnancy. The likelihood of having a baby with Down syndrome increases with maternal age, although the condition can occur in pregnancies at any age.

Other inherited conditions may be more likely when both biological parents carry a change in the same gene. When parents are closely related by blood, there is a greater chance that they share certain genetic variants that can cause rare inherited disorders in their children.

The WHO identifies genetic and chromosomal changes as important causes of congenital disorders, while emphasising that they account for only part of the overall burden.

Genetic counselling and appropriate medical testing can help some families understand the possibility of inherited conditions, particularly when there is a family history of a known genetic disorder.

However, having a family history does not mean a child will necessarily inherit a condition. The level of risk depends on the specific disorder and the genetic changes involved.

2. Infections during pregnancy

Certain infections during pregnancy can interfere with a baby’s development, particularly when the infection occurs at a vulnerable stage.

According to the WHO, infections associated with congenital disorders include rubella, syphilis and Zika virus. Other infections, such as cytomegalovirus, can also cause serious complications in some pregnancies.

Rubella infection during pregnancy can cause congenital rubella syndrome, which may lead to hearing loss, eye problems, heart defects and other complications.

Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection, can pass from a pregnant woman to her developing baby and result in serious illness, stillbirth or other adverse pregnancy outcomes if not appropriately treated.

Zika virus infection during pregnancy has been associated with abnormalities in brain development, including microcephaly, a condition in which a baby’s head is smaller than expected because of abnormal brain growth.

The risk depends on the infection, when it occurs, whether it is treated and other medical circumstances. Not every pregnant woman who contracts an infection will give birth to a baby with a congenital condition.

Health professionals recommend appropriate antenatal screening, vaccinations before pregnancy where indicated, and timely diagnosis and treatment of infections.

Pregnant women should consult qualified healthcare providers if they develop symptoms of an infection or believe they have been exposed to one. Early medical assessment can help protect both mother and baby.

3. Lack of essential nutrients

Nutrition is another important factor in fetal development. During pregnancy, the developing baby needs adequate vitamins, minerals, protein and other nutrients to support the formation of the brain, spine, heart and other organs.

One nutrient of particular importance is folate, a B vitamin that helps the body produce cells and supports early development of the brain and spinal cord.

Insufficient folate around conception and during early pregnancy increases the risk of neural tube defects, including spina bifida.

The neural tube develops during the first weeks of pregnancy, sometimes before a woman knows she is pregnant. This is why appropriate nutritional preparation before conception can be important.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that women who could become pregnant take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily to help prevent neural tube defects. Women with particular medical histories or risk factors may require different advice from a healthcare professional.

Iodine is another essential nutrient because it supports thyroid function and normal brain development. Severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy can harm a child’s development.

A balanced diet containing vegetables, fruits, beans, protein sources and other nutritious foods can support maternal health. However, dietary needs differ, and supplements should be taken according to appropriate medical guidance.

It is also important to understand that poor nutrition is not the explanation for every congenital condition. A woman who eats well can still give birth to a baby with a congenital disorder, while nutritional deficiencies increase the risk of only certain conditions.

4. Alcohol, tobacco and harmful substances

Exposure to certain substances during pregnancy can affect fetal development.

Alcohol is a well-established risk. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, which may affect a child’s learning, behaviour, growth and physical development.

There is no established safe amount of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and healthcare authorities advise avoiding alcohol throughout pregnancy.

Smoking and exposure to tobacco products can increase the risk of pregnancy complications, poor fetal growth and premature birth. Some pregnancy-related risks may also be associated with exposure to other harmful substances.

Certain drugs and medications can cause harm when used during pregnancy. The effects depend on the medicine, the dose, the timing and the individual’s circumstances.

For this reason, women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should discuss prescribed medicines, over-the-counter products, herbal preparations and other substances with a qualified healthcare provider.

They should not abruptly stop essential prescribed medication without medical advice, because uncontrolled illness can also threaten the health of the mother and baby.

The CDC advises avoiding alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs during pregnancy and consulting a healthcare professional before starting or stopping medicines.

5. Medical conditions affecting the mother

Some medical conditions can increase the risk of problems during pregnancy if they are not adequately managed.

Diabetes is one example. High blood glucose levels around conception and during early pregnancy can increase the risk of certain congenital abnormalities and other complications.

Other health issues may affect pregnancy outcomes depending on their severity and how they are managed. Maternal health assessments before conception and throughout pregnancy can help identify risks and establish an appropriate care plan.

Women with chronic conditions should seek advice before becoming pregnant, where possible, so that healthcare providers can review their treatment, monitor their health and recommend any necessary adjustments.

This does not mean that a woman with diabetes or another chronic illness will necessarily have a baby with a disability. Many women with medical conditions have healthy pregnancies, particularly when they receive suitable care.

Maintaining good health before and during pregnancy can reduce some risks, but it cannot eliminate every possibility of a congenital condition.

6. The mother’s age and family history

A woman’s age can influence the likelihood of certain pregnancy outcomes, although age alone cannot determine whether a baby will be born with a congenital condition.

Advanced maternal age is associated with a higher likelihood of some chromosomal abnormalities, including Down syndrome.

Certain conditions are also more common among younger mothers, meaning that risks vary according to the condition being considered. Maternal age should therefore be understood as one factor among several, rather than a simple measure of whether a pregnancy will be healthy.

Family history can also be relevant. If a parent or close relative has a known inherited condition, a healthcare professional may recommend genetic counselling or testing to clarify the possible risk to a future child.

Importantly, many babies born with congenital conditions have no known family history of the condition.

Medical assessments should consider each pregnancy individually rather than making assumptions based solely on the mother’s age, background or family circumstances.

7. Environmental exposures and workplace hazards

The environment in which a woman lives or works can also influence pregnancy health.

Exposure to certain toxic chemicals, pesticides, heavy metals and high levels of radiation may pose risks to fetal development, depending on the substance and the degree and timing of exposure.

Women working in agriculture, factories, laboratories or other environments involving potentially hazardous materials should follow workplace safety guidance and seek professional advice if they are concerned about exposure during pregnancy.

Avoiding unnecessary contact with known harmful substances and using appropriate protective equipment can help reduce preventable risks.

However, the presence of a chemical or pollutant in a community does not automatically prove that it caused a particular child’s condition. Establishing a cause may require detailed medical and environmental investigation.

The WHO identifies certain environmental exposures as potential contributors to congenital disorders and recommends measures to reduce avoidable exposure to hazardous substances.

8. Why some causes remain unknown

Despite advances in medicine, doctors cannot identify a specific cause for every congenital condition.

The WHO explains that congenital disorders can result from genetic, nutritional, infectious and environmental factors, sometimes acting together. In many cases, the precise cause remains unknown.

For example, some congenital heart defects, cleft lips and palates, and clubfoot cases occur without an identifiable cause. Researchers continue to investigate how genetic variations, environmental influences and other biological processes interact during fetal development.

This uncertainty can be difficult for parents who want to understand why their child was born with a particular condition. Medical professionals may conduct examinations or tests to investigate possible explanations, but not every investigation produces a definitive answer.

Parents should be cautious about claims that a congenital condition was necessarily caused by a particular food, an ordinary activity, emotional distress or a failure to follow a traditional practice. Such explanations should not be accepted without credible medical evidence.

The absence of an identifiable cause is not evidence that a mother did something wrong.

9. Can congenital disabilities be prevented?

Not all congenital conditions can be prevented, but several measures can reduce the risk of particular disorders and improve maternal and child health.

The WHO and CDC recommend a range of measures before conception and during pregnancy.

These include:

• Attend antenatal appointments: Regular medical visits help monitor pregnancy, identify certain complications and provide timely advice.

• Take folic acid as recommended: Adequate folic acid before conception and during early pregnancy helps prevent many neural tube defects.

• Seek advice before pregnancy: Preconception consultations can help identify medical conditions, review medications and discuss family history.

• Avoid alcohol and tobacco: Avoiding these substances reduces preventable pregnancy risks.

• Prevent and treat infections: Appropriate vaccinations, screening and treatment can help prevent some infection-related complications.

• Eat a balanced diet: Adequate nutrition supports fetal growth and development.

• Manage existing illnesses: Conditions such as diabetes should be assessed and controlled with professional guidance.

• Review medication safety: Healthcare providers can determine whether a medicine is suitable during pregnancy and whether alternatives are needed.

• Reduce exposure to hazardous substances: Appropriate precautions can limit avoidable environmental and occupational risks.

These measures reduce some risks, but they do not guarantee that every baby will be born without a congenital condition.

Women who discover that they are pregnant after missing early prenatal care should still seek medical attention. Starting care later is generally more beneficial than avoiding it because an opportunity has already been missed.

10. The importance of early diagnosis and support

Identifying a congenital condition early can help families and healthcare providers plan appropriate treatment and support.

Depending on the condition, care may include specialist consultations, surgery, medication, physiotherapy, hearing or vision services, speech and language support, and developmental assessments.

Some conditions can be detected during pregnancy through ultrasound examinations or other prenatal tests. However, screening does not identify every condition, and some abnormalities become apparent only after birth or as a child develops.

Newborn examinations and appropriate follow-up appointments can help identify concerns that were not detected during pregnancy.

Parents should ask healthcare professionals to explain a diagnosis, the available treatment options, the child’s expected needs and any recommended follow-up care. Where possible, referrals to specialists and rehabilitation services can help children achieve their fullest potential.

Access to these services is particularly important in low- and middle-income countries, where families may face barriers involving cost, distance, specialist availability and limited diagnostic facilities. The WHO has highlighted the disproportionate burden of congenital disorders in these settings.

11. Challenging stigma against mothers and children with disabilities

Beyond the medical issues, families may face social pressure when a baby is born with a disability.

In some communities, people may attribute congenital conditions to curses, punishment, family wrongdoing or a mother’s behaviour. Such claims can lead to blame, isolation and discrimination.

Medical evidence does not support treating disability as proof of wrongdoing or supernatural punishment. While cultural beliefs may influence how families interpret a diagnosis, health decisions should be guided by qualified medical professionals and reliable evidence.

Mothers should not be blamed simply because their babies have disabilities. Many congenital conditions occur despite appropriate care, and their exact causes may never be established.

Children with disabilities also deserve dignity, protection, education, healthcare and opportunities to participate in community life. Their needs should be assessed individually rather than defined by assumptions about what they can or cannot achieve.

Families can benefit from counselling, peer-support groups, disability organisations and healthcare workers who understand the practical and emotional challenges of raising a child with additional needs.

Public education can also help communities recognise that disability is a health and inclusion issue, not a reason to stigmatise a child or family.

Conclusion: Understanding the causes can help protect mothers and babies

The reasons some women give birth to babies with disabilities are varied and often complex. Genetic and chromosomal conditions, certain infections, nutritional deficiencies, exposure to harmful substances and poorly controlled medical conditions can contribute to some congenital disorders. In many other cases, the precise cause remains unknown.

Improving access to antenatal care, adequate nutrition, appropriate screening, safe medication advice and timely treatment can reduce certain preventable risks. Equally important is ensuring that families receive accurate information and that children with disabilities are not subjected to discrimination.

For women planning a pregnancy, the most useful step is to seek qualified medical advice before conception, where possible, and maintain appropriate care throughout pregnancy. For parents who already have a child with a congenital condition, professional assessment can help explain the diagnosis, identify available treatment and guide future family planning.

The central message is that a baby being born with a disability is not, by itself, evidence that the mother did anything wrong. Accurate information, compassionate healthcare and inclusive communities are essential to protecting the health, dignity and future of every child.

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