What Causes a Birth Defect?

The last thing a expecting parent would like to be told is that their child could have a birth defect lawsuit deformity. These problems are caused by the things that happen during the fetal stage and could affect your child's physical or mental health.

A health care provider can detect birth defects during pregnancy using the prenatal test or newborn screening. Other birth defects could only be detected following the birth of your child or birth defect when symptoms appear.

What is the reason for your child's defect?

Many birth defects are still undiscovered. There are a few factors that increase the chance of being pregnant with a child with birth defect. These include using drugs or taking certain medications before pregnancy, having a family member that has birth defects or certain medical conditions, for instance rheumatic heart disease. Women with an ancestral background of these disorders are advised to speak with a genetic counsellor before getting pregnant.

The severity of a birth defect in a child depends on the body part that is affected and how much is affected. The more severe the birth defect the more serious the problems.

Most birth defects are caused either through genetics or environmental factors during fetal growth. You can lessen the risk of a birth defect consulting with a genetic counsellor, learning about the health background of your family, and speaking with an expert in genetics.

Structural birth imperfections are those that alter how a particular part of the body appears or functions. They may range from the visible like cleft lips and cleft palate, to the invisibly, such as chromosome disorders or metabolic conditions. Inherited genetic conditions may be a sign of structural birth defects. Environmental causes, such as the lack of folic acids, can cause neural tube defects that result in brain or spinal cord development not working as intended.

Find More Evidence Than You Think

There are several medical procedures a pregnant woman can undergo to learn more about a potential birth defect. One example is amniocentesis, which involves a medical professional taking a small amount of fetal fluid for analysis. This procedure may reveal chromosomal irregularities, as well other health issues like infections (such as Zika or rubella) or genetic anomalies.

A doctor can examine the blood, amniotic liquid and tissues of a fetus for indications of a birth defect. These tests are essential in determining the root of birth defects. They also aid in determining how serious a birth defect will be and the effect it may have on a child's their adult life.

However some birth defects can remain unnoticed until a child is born, or in rare cases, an adult. These conditions aren't readily apparent when they occur and are usually only detected by using diagnostic equipment. In these cases, it's crucial that the medical expert witness is knowledgeable about these technologies and has the proper education to detect these flaws. A seasoned medical malpractice lawyer will be able to identify the appropriate specialist for your case.

Hire a Medical Malpractice Attorney

A child born with a serious defect or a serious birth injury can alter the life of families. These injuries can create life-long physical and emotional challenges and often require a lifetime of medical care.

Medical science may explain around 30% of birth defect cases, but many others are still a mystery. Research has shown certain chemicals and substances, such as those in prescription or over-the-counter medications taken by a mother or in toxic chemicals found in the homes and communities, or contaminated groundwater and air, can cause birth defects.

Doctors have a duty to examine a pregnant mother's current medications and inform her of any risks for the baby. If they fail to fulfill this obligation, they can be held liable for birth defects caused by medication.

Doctors also have a duty to examine the safety of any procedure or equipment they recommend for pregnant women. This includes x ray devices, surgical instruments and other equipment. If a doctor negligently uses the equipment or fails to properly calibrate the equipment it could result in grave consequences for the baby. This would be considered medical malpractice. If this occurs you should speak with a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can. In some states, you're allowed only one year to file a complaint for medical malpractice which is why it's important to start the process as soon as you can.

Take the First Step

Birth defects are the primary cause of infant mortality. They affect one in 33 babies every year. These issues are life-threatening, and can trigger long-term physical, cognitive and emotional challenges. Researchers have in a few instances identified the causes of birth defects due to exposure of the mother to prescription and non-prescription drugs or environmental toxins, as well as maternal infections, complications during pregnancy and birth or a family medical history or genetic disorders (like sickle cell disease PKU, or other genetic diseases). In around 70% of cases, the cause is unknown.

Certain birth defects, like hearing loss or clubfoot, are easy to see and are easily diagnosed at birth or within the first year of a child's existence. Certain birth defects, such as heart defects, intellectual and developmental disabilities, require tests specific to be identified.

Researchers are trying determine the root of birth defects, and how they can be avoided. Women who drink, smoke or take illegal drugs when pregnant increase their risk for having a child with certain defects. Women with an inherited family history of genetic disorders should consider seeing a genetic counselor before trying to become pregnant. They should also use the March of Dimes family health history form to gather information about medical conditions that can be found in their families and birth defect discuss it with their doctor or a genetic counselor.