What Causes a Birth Defect?

The last thing a new parent wants to be told is that their child might be born with a deformity. These defects are caused by the things that happen during the fetal stage and could affect your child's physical or mental health.

A doctor is able to detect some birth defects during pregnancy by using the prenatal test or newborn screening. Other birth defects could only be identified after the birth of your child or when symptoms appear.

What caused your child's deficiency?

Many birth defects remain undiscovered. However there are a few things that increase a woman's risk of having a child born with defects. These include taking prescription drugs or taking certain medications prior to pregnancy, having a relative with a birth defect or having certain medical conditions like rheumatic heart disease. Women who have an established history of these diseases are advised to consult an expert on genetic counseling about their options prior to becoming pregnant.

The severity of a birth defect in a baby is dependent on the body part affected and how severe the damage. The more severe a birth defect, the more serious the problems.

Most birth defects are caused by genes or the environment during fetal growth. You can reduce your risk of developing a birth defect by speaking with a genetic counselor as well as learning about the health background of your family, and talking with geneticists.

Structural birth defects are those that change how a specific part of the body appears or performs. They may be visible like cleft lips or cleft palettes, or invisible, such as chromosome disorders or metabolic disorders. Genetic conditions that are passed down through the generations may be a sign of birth defects that cause structural changes. Environmental factors, such as a lack folic acid, can cause neural tube defects that lead to the development of the spinal cord or brain not functioning properly.

Gather More Evidence Than You Think

There are many medical procedures a pregnant woman can undergo to find out more about possible madera birth defect lawyer defects. Amniocentesis, for instance, is which is when a healthcare professional collects tiny amounts of fluid from the fetus to conduct examination. This test can reveal chromosomal modifications as well as other health conditions like infections (such as rubella or Zika) or genetic disorders.

A doctor can examine the blood, amniotic liquid and tissues of a fetus for indications of a birth defect. These tests are vital in diagnosing the root of birth defect. They also help determine the severity of birth defect and its effect on the adult life of a child.

Certain birth defects might not be detected until after the vernal birth defect law firm of a child or, in rare cases, even as an adult. This is because the conditions aren't easily detected until they become apparent, and are often identified with the use of diagnostic equipment. In these instances, the medical expert witness must be conversant with the technology and have the training necessary to recognize these issues. A medical malpractice lawyer with expertise should be able to pinpoint the right specialist for your case.

Employ a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

A child born with a severe defect or a severe birth injury could completely alter the life of families. These injuries can lead to lifelong physical and mental challenges needing medical attention for the rest of his life.

Medical science may explain around 30 percent of decatur birth defect attorney defect cases however, many other cases remain unknown. Research has found that 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 community and in homes or groundwater that is contaminated air may cause birth defects.

Doctors are required to assess an expectant mother's current medication and inform her of any potential dangers for the fetus. If they fail to meet this duty, they may be held responsible for birth defects that are caused by medication.

Doctors are also required to assess the safety and efficacy of any equipment or procedure they recommend to pregnant women. This includes x-ray machines, surgical instruments, and other equipment. If a doctor negligently uses the equipment or fails to properly calibrate the equipment, it could result in serious consequences for the baby. This is a case of malpractice. If this happens it's crucial to seek out a medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible. In some states you have only one year to file a complaint for medical malpractice which is why it's important to start the process as soon as possible.

Take the First Step

Birth defects are the main reason for infant deaths. They affect one in 33 babies every year. The conditions could be life-threatening and cause a myriad of physical, emotional and cognitive problems. In a few instances, scientists have linked the causes to a mother's exposure to prescription or over-the-counter drugs, toxins in the environment as well as maternal infections, complications of pregnancy and delivery or a medical history in the family (like genetic illnesses such as sickle cell disease, PKU). However, in approximately 70% of birth defect cases, the causes are unknown.

Certain birth defects, including hearing loss or clubfoot, are easy to see and can be detected from birth or within the first year of a child's existence. Others, such as heart problems or intellectual and developmental disabilities aren't as easily identifiable and require special tests.

Researchers are trying to determine what causes birth defects and how they can be prevented. For example, women who smoke or drink alcohol or take illegal drugs during pregnancy increase the risk of having a baby with a defect. Women with a family history involving genetic disorders that are inherited may want to speak with a genetic counselor before trying to conceive. They could also use the March of Dimes Family Health History form to collect information regarding medical conditions that are prevalent through their families. This information should be shared with their doctor or genetic counselor.