An infant is considered to be newborn up to age one month. The neonatal period is defined and is important because it represents a short period of life where changes are very rapid and when many critical events can occur. During the first 30 days, most congenital defects (such as congenital heart disease) are discovered. Genetic abnormalities may manifest themselves and it is a time when infections such as congenital herpes, group B strep, toxoplasmosis and others are discovered as they begin to have clinical effects.