What does the term congenital mean?

The term "congenital" specifically refers to conditions or traits that are present at birth. This includes a wide range of medical conditions that can be inherited genetically or occur due to environmental factors during pregnancy. It is critical in fields such as pediatrics and genetics, where understanding a patient's history and traits from birth onward can influence diagnosis, treatment, and management of health.

Congenital conditions may include heart defects, certain genetic disorders, and other physical malformations that are detectable at birth or soon after. This definition underscores the importance of early detection and intervention in many congenital cases, which can significantly impact a person’s health and quality of life.

Understanding the meaning of "congenital" is essential for medical professionals as it differentiates these conditions from those that develop later in life or that are temporary, which may be caused by various environmental or lifestyle factors.