Many times, a healthcare professional diagnoses clubfoot soon after birth just from looking at the shape and position of the newborn’s foot. Sometimes X-rays are taken to fully understand how severe the clubfoot is. But usually X-rays are not needed.

Often clubfoot can be seen before birth during a routine ultrasound exam in week 20 of pregnancy. While the condition can’t be treated before birth, knowing about the condition may give you time to learn more about clubfoot. You’ll have time to talk with health experts, such as a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, to plan treatment. If needed, a medical genetics counselor can talk with you about genetic test results and your risk of having a baby with clubfoot in future pregnancies.