What Causes a Birth Defect?

It's the last thing an expecting parents wants to hear: their child may have a birth defect. These problems may be caused by a variety of the fetal growth and can affect the physical or mental health of your child.

Prenatal screening and newborn screening can be used by a health care provider to determine the presence of certain birth defects that can occur during pregnancy. Other birth defects could be discovered only after the birth of your child, or after symptoms appear.

What caused your child's deficiency?

The reason for many birth defects remains unknown. However there are a few factors that increase the chance of having a baby born with a defect. These include using prescription drugs or Birth Defects taking certain medications prior to pregnancy, having a family member with birth defects or certain medical conditions like rheumatic heart disease. Women with an established history of these diseases should consult an expert on genetic counseling about their options before getting pregnant.

If a birth defect law firm defect in a baby causes serious issues or not is dependent on the body part that is affected and how much of the body part affected. The more severe the defect and the more serious the problem will be.

The majority of birth defects are caused either by genes or the environment during fetal development. The risk of having a birth defect can be reduced by gaining knowledge about your family's history of genes and health issues and speaking with an expert in genetic counseling and following the guidelines for prenatal care.

Structural birth defects are those that change the way a part of your body appears or works. They can be visible, like cleft lips, cleft palettes. They can also be invisible, like chromosome issues or metabolic conditions. Genetic disorders that are inherited could be a form of birth defects that cause structural changes. Environmental factors, for instance, the absence of folic acid can cause neural tube defects that cause the development of the spinal cord and brain not functioning properly.

Get More Evidence than You Think You Can.

There are a variety of medical procedures that a pregnant woman is able to undergo in order to learn more about a possible birth defect. One example is amniocentesis, that involves a doctor taking a small sample of fetal fluid for analysis. This procedure could reveal chromosomal anomalies, as well other health conditions like infections (such as Zika or rubella) or genetic anomalies.

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

Some birth defects might not be discovered until after the birth of a child or, in rare cases even as an adult. These problems aren't visible when they first appear and are sometimes only detected through diagnostic equipment. In these kinds of cases, it is critical that the medical expert witness is well-versed in these technologies and has the proper knowledge to spot these issues. A medical malpractice lawyer with expertise should be able to pinpoint the most appropriate specialist for your case.

Hire a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

A child born with a serious defect or a severe birth injury can drastically alter the life of the family. These injuries can lead to permanent physical and mental problems and require medical treatment for the rest of their lives.

While medical science is able to pinpoint the causes of about 30% of birth defects others remain a mystery. Research has found that certain chemicals and substances, like those found in prescription or over the counter medication taken by mothers 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 the medications taken by the mother-to-be and inform her of any possible dangers for the embryo. If they fail to meet this obligation, they could be held accountable for birth defects that are caused by medications.

Doctors are also required to determine the safety and effectiveness of any procedure or equipment they recommend to pregnant women. This includes xray machines, surgical tools, and other equipment. If a doctor negligently uses the equipment, or fails to properly calibrate the equipment, it could lead to grave consequences for the baby. This would be considered medical malpractice. It's important to contact a medical negligence lawyer immediately should this happen. In some states, you are only allowed a single year to file a medical malpractice case, so the faster you start the process the better.

Start with the First Step

Birth defects affect one in 33 babies born each year and are the most common cause of infant mortality. The condition could be life-threatening and lead to many long term mental, emotional and physical difficulties. Scientists have, in some instances, linked the birth defects' causes to the mother's exposures to prescription or over-the-counter medicines and environmental toxins, complications of motherhood, infections, the birth and pregnancy and family medical history or birth defects genetic illnesses (like sickle cell disease, PKU, or genetic diseases). In the majority of cases, the reason is unknown.

Certain birth defects, such as hearing loss or a clubfoot are easy to see and can be identified at birth or within the first year of a child's life. Other birth defects, such as heart defects or intellectual and developmental disabilities are not as easily identified and require tests of a different kind.

Researchers are trying determine the causes of birth defects and how they can be avoided. Women who smoke, drink or consume illegal substances while pregnant are more likely to having a child born with certain defects. Women with a family history involving inherited genetic disorders may want to speak with a genetic counselor before trying to have a baby. They can 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.