The birth defect microcephaly can sometimes cause retardation and other mental disabilities in babies as they get older.
But not every baby born with microcephaly turns out retarded or mentally disabled and some babies with the condition lead normal lives and just have a smaller head size.
However most babies born with the condition microcephaly do have mental issues because of their smaller than normal head circumference that usually remains smaller than normal as the child grows, dwarfism or short stature, delayed motor and speech functions, mental retardation are all possible with the condition microcephaly.
The good news is that the birth defect microcephaly is a rare condition that doesn't happen that often to babies and most peoples are born perfectly healthy.
But it's a good idea to be prepared just in case the baby has a birth defect or other health issue and mental issues.
Some babies born with microcephaly not only have mental retardation but also sometimes live only between 13 years to 20 years.
But some may live longer than that but it depends on how severe the condition is.