Definition: A defect or damage to the developing fetus in the uterus.
Many congenital defects are attributed to infectious diseases, such as rubella (German measles) and toxoplasmosis. Congenital defects can affect physical and mental development. In some cases, congenital defects may be present at birth but not apparent, and are noticed several years later.
Pronunciation: con-JEN-ih-tul DEE-fekt
Also Known As: birth defect
