Which statement best defines congenital deformities?

• A. Abnormalities acquired after birth
• B. Abnormalities caused by genetic mutations occurring during puberty
• C. Abnormalities existing at or before birth
• D. Abnormalities that resolve before birth

Answer: (C)

Congenital deformities are abnormalities that are present at birth or exist before birth, resulting from developmental issues during pregnancy. The key idea is timing: they are already in place when the baby is born, regardless of whether they’re noticed right away or later. This distinguishes them from problems that are acquired after birth, such as injuries or illnesses developed after delivery, and from genetic changes that occur later in life, like during puberty. If an abnormality were to resolve before birth, it would not be present at birth, so it wouldn’t be considered congenital.