• CH = Congenital hypothyroidism Incidence: greater than 1 in 5,000. This thyroid hormone deficiency severely retards both growth and brain development. If detected soon after birth, the condition can be treated simply with oral doses of thyroid hormone to permit normal development.
• HEAR = Hearing loss Incidence: greater than 1 in 5,000; up to 3-4 per 1,000 newborns.  Without early testing, most babies with hearing loss are not diagnosed until 2 or 3 years of age. By this time, they often have delayed speech and language development. Early diagnosis allows use of hearing aids by 6 months of age, helping prevent serious speech and language problems.
• CF = Cystic fibrosis Incidence: greater than 1 in 5,000.  Cystic fibrosis is one of the most common inherited disorders in the U.S. Abnormalities in the cystic fibrosis protein result in lung and digestive problems, and death at an average age of 30-35 years. Studies suggest that early diagnosis and treatment improves the growth of babies and children with CF. Treatment varies depending on severity of symptoms, but may include a high-calorie diet supplemented with vitamins and medications to improve digestion, respiratory therapy to help clear mucus from the lungs, and medications to improve breathing and prevent lung infections.

You can find a full list of screenings on the March of Dimes website.

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