Congenital malformations in the newborn--a prospective study.

In a prospective study of 4098 births the incidence of congenital malformations was 1.464 per 100 births. Major malformations were seen in 1.1% births and minor malformations in 0.4% births. Patterns of congenital anomalies included multiple anomalies (37.68%), CNS malformations (13.33%), alimentary tract anomalies (6.66%), cardiovascular malformations (8.99%), genitourinary malformation (6.66%), limb anomalies (13.33%), and anomalies of skin and appendages (13.33%). Factors like maternal age, hormone testing and drug ingestion during pregnancy, radiation exposure and maternal infections were identified as possible risk factors for congenital malformations in the newborn.