Congenital Anomalies (Birth Defects) in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Congenital anomalies, often called birth defects, are structural or functional differences in a baby’s body or genetics that are present before birth. They can affect almost any part of the body, including the heart, brain, spine, limbs, and internal organs.

In the United States, including here in Grand Rapids, about 3% of babies (roughly 1 in every 30 births) are born with some type of congenital anomaly.

What Causes Congenital Anomalies?

Congenital anomalies can have many different causes, including:

  • Genetic factors (changes in genes or chromosomes)
  • Environmental exposures during pregnancy (certain medications, alcohol, tobacco, recreational drugs, or toxins)
  • Infections during pregnancy
  • A combination of genetic and environmental factors

In many cases, especially in otherwise healthy families in West Michigan, there is no clear explanation for why a baby is born with a congenital anomaly. Most of the time, it is due to chance and is not anyone’s fault.

Common examples of congenital anomalies include:

  • Congenital heart defects
  • Neural tube defects (such as spina bifida)
  • Cleft lip and cleft palate
  • Clubfoot
  • Certain kidney, lung, or intestinal malformations
  • Some genetic and chromosomal conditions (such as Down syndrome)

Prenatal Screening and Diagnostic Testing in Grand Rapids

During pregnancy, expectant parents in Grand Rapids have the option to undergo prenatal screening and diagnostic tests to look for congenital anomalies. This is a personal choice, and there is no “right” or “wrong” decision. It can help to talk with:

  • Your OB/GYN or midwife (for example, at Corewell Health / Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, or Mercy Health)
  • A genetic counselor, often available through major hospital systems in Grand Rapids
  • Your family doctor or primary care provider

Types of Prenatal Screening Tests

Prenatal screening tests estimate the chance that a baby may have certain conditions. They do not give a definite diagnosis.

Common screening tests include:

  • First- and second-trimester blood tests (maternal serum screening)
  • Ultrasound scans (including the detailed anatomy scan around 18–22 weeks)
  • Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT)
    • A blood test that looks at fragments of the baby’s DNA in the mother’s blood
    • Can screen for certain chromosomal conditions such as Down syndrome, trisomy 18, and trisomy 13
    • Different NIPT panels can screen for different conditions

If a screening test shows a higher chance of a congenital anomaly, your provider may recommend diagnostic testing.

Diagnostic Tests

Diagnostic tests can confirm whether a baby actually has a specific condition. These may include:

  • Detailed ultrasound by a maternal–fetal medicine specialist (available at major Grand Rapids hospitals)
  • Fetal MRI (for certain brain or organ concerns)
  • Amniocentesis – a procedure where a small amount of amniotic fluid is tested
  • Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) – a sample taken from the placenta for genetic testing
  • Advanced genomic testing, such as gene panels or sequencing

Diagnostic testing can provide clearer answers but may also involve small risks. Your healthcare team in Grand Rapids can explain the benefits and risks in detail.

Why Detect Congenital Anomalies Before Birth?

Finding a congenital anomaly before birth can help you and your care team:

  • Plan pregnancy care and monitoring
  • Choose where to deliver (for example, at a Grand Rapids hospital with a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), such as Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital)
  • Arrange for specialists (such as pediatric cardiology, neurosurgery, or genetics)
  • Prepare for possible surgery or treatment soon after birth
  • Consider perinatal palliative care if a condition is life-limiting
  • Think through personal options about continuing or ending the pregnancy (within Michigan’s legal framework)

Sometimes, a diagnosis is clear and the outlook is well understood. Other times, there can be significant uncertainty about how a condition will affect a child’s life. This uncertainty can be emotionally difficult, and many parents benefit from support from:

  • Social workers and psychologists at local hospitals
  • Community mental health services in Kent County
  • Faith communities and local support groups

Some expectant parents in Grand Rapids choose not to have certain tests, preferring not to know about conditions before birth. Your healthcare team should respect and support your choices.

Newborn Screening and Early Checks in Michigan

Not all congenital anomalies can be detected before birth. Many are found:

  • At birth
  • In the first few weeks of life
  • Later in childhood, as a child grows and develops

In Michigan, including Grand Rapids, babies receive several standard checks:

1. Physical Examination After Birth

Soon after delivery, your baby will have a full physical exam. This helps detect:

  • Clubfoot
  • Cleft lip or palate
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Heart murmurs or other physical concerns
  • Certain spinal or limb differences

Your baby will continue to have regular check-ups with a pediatrician or family doctor. In Grand Rapids, these visits may be at:

  • Large health systems (Corewell Health, Trinity Health, Metro Health, Mercy Health)
  • Independent pediatric clinics across Kent County

2. Newborn Bloodspot Screening (“Heel Prick Test”)

Michigan’s newborn screening program uses a small blood sample from your baby’s heel to test for a range of serious medical conditions. Early detection allows families to access treatment and support as soon as possible.

Conditions screened can include certain:

  • Metabolic disorders
  • Hormonal (endocrine) conditions
  • Blood disorders
  • Other rare but serious diseases

For details, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Kent County Health Department provide information about the state’s newborn screening program.

3. Infant Hearing Screening

Before leaving the hospital, your baby will have a hearing test to detect possible congenital hearing loss. If there are concerns:

  • Additional hearing tests will be arranged
  • You may be referred to audiology and early intervention services in the Grand Rapids area

Early hearing support can make a big difference in language and social development.

Managing Congenital Anomalies After Birth in Grand Rapids

Treatment and management depend on the type and severity of the anomaly. Options may include:

  • Surgery (for example, for heart defects, cleft lip/palate, or some abdominal wall defects)
  • Medications (for heart, hormone, or metabolic conditions)
  • Therapies (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy)
  • Medical devices or equipment (braces, hearing aids, feeding supports)
  • Ongoing developmental and medical follow-up

In Grand Rapids, specialized care for children with congenital anomalies is available through:

  • Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital (Corewell Health / Spectrum Health)
  • Pediatric services at Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health
  • Local therapy providers and early intervention services in Kent County

Parents and caregivers play a vital role by:

  • Attending regular appointments
  • Tracking developmental milestones
  • Advocating for services at school and in the community
  • Connecting with support groups and other families

Can Congenital Anomalies Be Prevented?

Not all birth defects can be prevented. However, there are steps you can take in Grand Rapids to reduce the risk of certain conditions and support a healthy pregnancy.

1. Preconception Health

Taking care of your health before pregnancy benefits both you and your future baby:

  • Aim for a healthy weight
  • Manage chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drugs
  • Review your medications with your doctor to ensure they are safe for pregnancy
  • Stay up to date on vaccinations, including flu and other recommended vaccines

In West Michigan, where winters are long and sunlight can be limited, your provider may also talk with you about vitamin D and seasonal wellness.

2. Folic Acid Supplementation

Taking folic acid before and during early pregnancy reduces the risk of neural tube defects (such as spina bifida).

  • Most women of childbearing age are advised to take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily
  • Ideally, start at least one month before conception and continue through the first trimester

Your OB/GYN, family doctor, or a Grand Rapids pharmacy can help you choose an appropriate prenatal vitamin.

3. Early and Regular Prenatal Care

See your doctor or midwife as soon as you think you are pregnant—ideally within the first 10 weeks. Early prenatal care helps:

  • Confirm the pregnancy and due date
  • Review your medical history and medications
  • Offer information about nutrition, exercise, and mental health
  • Arrange screening tests and ultrasounds
  • Identify and manage problems early

Prenatal care is available through:

  • OB/GYN clinics at Spectrum Health/Corewell, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health
  • Community health centers and family medicine clinics in Kent County

4. Avoiding Harmful Exposures

Some substances and infections can increase the risk of congenital anomalies:

  • Alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs
  • Certain prescription or over-the-counter medications
  • Some environmental toxins (for example, certain chemicals or lead)
  • Infections such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) and syphilis

Steps you can take:

  • Always check with your provider before starting or stopping any medication during pregnancy
  • Practice good hand hygiene and food safety
  • Discuss infection prevention and vaccinations with your provider
  • Stay informed through Grand Rapids Public Health and the Kent County Health Department about local health advisories

5. Genetic Counseling and Carrier Screening

Some health conditions are inherited, meaning they can be passed from parents to children. If you or your partner has a family history of a genetic condition (such as cystic fibrosis, thalassemia, or certain metabolic disorders), talk to your provider about:

  • Genetic counseling – to understand how a condition is inherited and what it might mean for your family
  • Carrier screening – blood or saliva tests that can show if you and/or your partner carry certain gene changes

Carrier screening is ideally done before pregnancy, but it can also be done during pregnancy. Many Grand Rapids hospital systems offer access to genetic counselors and testing.

6. Healthy Lifestyle Choices

A healthy lifestyle supports your baby’s development:

  • Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
  • Stay physically active as recommended by your provider
  • Get enough sleep
  • Manage stress, especially during long Michigan winters when mood changes and seasonal affective symptoms can be more common

Screening and Diagnostic Tests During Pregnancy

Your provider may discuss the following with you:

  • Ultrasound scans – including early dating scans and a detailed anatomy scan
  • Maternal serum screening – blood tests that estimate the chance of certain conditions
  • Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) – a blood test that screens for some chromosomal conditions
  • Diagnostic tests (amniocentesis or CVS) – if screening results or ultrasound findings raise concern for a genetic condition

These tests can help identify conditions such as Down syndrome and other chromosomal or structural anomalies. Your provider will explain what each test can and cannot tell you, and support you in making informed decisions.

Emotional Support and Community Resources in Grand Rapids

Learning that your baby or child has a congenital anomaly can be overwhelming. It is normal to experience a wide range of emotions, including shock, sadness, anxiety, guilt, or confusion.

You do not have to go through this alone. Support may include:

  • Your healthcare team – OB/GYN, pediatrician, specialists, nurses, social workers, and genetic counselors
  • Mental health professionals – counselors, psychologists, or psychiatrists familiar with perinatal (pregnancy and postpartum) mental health
  • Support groups – local and online communities of parents raising children with similar conditions
  • State and local organizations, such as:
    • Genetic Support Network of Michigan (GSNM) – information and support for families affected by genetic and rare conditions
    • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health – information on local services, early intervention, and special needs resources
    • Michigan-based and national organizations for specific conditions (for example, Down syndrome associations, congenital heart defect groups)

If you are experiencing anxiety or depression during pregnancy or after birth, talk with your provider. They can refer you to local mental health services and perinatal support programs in West Michigan.

Planning for Long-Term Support

Many children with congenital anomalies grow up to lead fulfilling lives with the right medical care, therapies, and educational support. In Michigan, families may be able to access:

  • Early intervention programs (birth to age 3) for developmental delays
  • School-based special education services and individualized education programs (IEPs)
  • State and community disability support services
  • Therapy services (physical, occupational, speech) through hospital systems and private clinics

Your child’s Grand Rapids healthcare team can guide you to appropriate resources and help coordinate care.

Key Points for Families in Grand Rapids

  • Congenital anomalies are differences present before birth; about 1 in 30 babies is affected.
  • Causes can be genetic, environmental, infections, or due to chance—and often cannot be fully explained.
  • Prenatal screening and diagnostic tests are available in Grand Rapids and are optional; they help identify conditions and plan care.
  • Michigan provides newborn physical exams, bloodspot screening, and hearing tests to detect many conditions early.
  • Management may involve surgery, medications, therapy, or long-term follow-up, often through specialized pediatric services in Grand Rapids.
  • You can reduce some risks by focusing on preconception health, folic acid, avoiding harmful exposures, and getting early prenatal care.
  • Emotional and practical support is available through local healthcare systems, Kent County Health Department, Genetic Support Network of Michigan, and other parent support organizations.

Every pregnancy and every child is unique. If you have questions about congenital anomalies, talk with your Grand Rapids healthcare provider, who can offer guidance tailored to your family’s needs.