Objective  To analyze the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of birth defects in Gansu province, and provided scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of birth defects in Gansu.

  Methods  The data of perinatal infants with birth defects were collected from 42 surveillance hospitals in Gansu between 2015 and 2020. Poisson distribution was used to calculate the incidences of birth defects in different years and in different populations. Joinpoint regression was used to evaluate the temporal trend of birth defect incidence, and spatial autocorrelation analysis was performed to identify clustering areas of birth defects.

  Results  The incidence of birth defects increased from 150.96/10000 (95%CI: 143.95–162.39) in 2015 to 200.47/10000 (95%CI: 190.26–210.68) in 2020. The five leading birth defects were congenital heart defects, polydactyly, cleft lip and palate, neural tube defects, and congenital hydrocephalus. Spatial analysis showed that Lanzhou, Tianshui, and Wuwei were high-risk areas for birth defects.

  Conclusion  The incidence of birth defects in Gansu showed an upward trend, spatial analysis showed clustering areas of birth defects in Gansu. The prevention and control of major diseases and in key areas should be strengthened.