What Causes a Birth Defect?

It's not something that any expecting parent would like to hear: their child may have a birth defect. These problems may be caused by a variety of the growing up and could affect the mental or physical health of your child.

A health professional is able to detect some aberdeen birth defect lawyer defects during pregnancy using newborn screening or prenatal tests. Other birth defects could only be identified after the birth of your child or if symptoms appear.

What was the cause of your child's error?

Many birth defects are still undiscovered. However there are a few factors that can increase a woman's risk of having a child with defects. These include using prescription drugs or taking certain medications prior to the birth, having a family member who has a birth defect or having certain medical conditions, such as rheumatic heart disease. Women who have a family background of these disorders are advised to speak with an expert on genetics prior to becoming pregnant.

If a birth defect in a baby causes serious problems or not is contingent upon the body part that is affected and the extent of the body part is affected. Usually, the more severe the defect then the more severe the issues will be.

The majority of birth defects are caused either by genes or environment during fetal growth. You can lessen the risk of a birth deformity by talking to a genetic counsellor or a health professional, gaining knowledge about the background of your family, and speaking with an expert in genetics.

Structural birth defects alter how a specific part of the body appears or functions. They can 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 are structural. Environmental causes, such as the absence of folic acid can cause neural tube defects that lead to the development of the spinal cord or brain not functioning as it should.

Find More Evidence than You Think

There are many medical procedures a pregnant mother may undergo to find out more about the possibility of birth defects. Amniocentesis is a prime example, in which a healthcare professional takes a small sample of fluid from the fetus to conduct testing. This procedure may reveal chromosomal irregularities, as well other health issues like infections (such as Zika or rubella) or genetic anomalies.

A doctor may also examine the fetus's blood amniotic fluid, fetal blood and the umbilical cord for indications of birth defects. These tests are crucial to determining the causes of asheboro birth defect attorney defects. They also help determine the degree of a birth defect and its impact on a child's adult life.

Certain birth defects may not be identified until after a baby's birth or, in rare instances even as an adult. These issues aren't easily detected when they first appear and are usually only detected by using diagnostic equipment. In these cases, it is critical that the medical expert witness in question is familiar with these techniques and has the right knowledge to spot these issues. A medical malpractice lawyer with experience should be able to identify the best expert for your case.

Hire a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

When a child is born with a severe birth defect or suffers a severe birth injury, it could completely turn the world of a family upside down. These injuries can create life-long physical and emotional challenges and often require ongoing medical treatment.

Medical science could explain up to 30 percent of birth defects However, the majority of cases remain unknown. Research has shown certain chemicals and substances like those in prescription or over the counter medication taken by mothers or children, harmful chemicals in the community and in homes as well as contaminated groundwater and air can cause birth defects.

Doctors are required to examine a pregnant mother's current medication and inform her of any dangers for the embryo. If they fail to fulfill this obligation, they can be held responsible for birth defects that are caused by medications.

Doctors also have a duty to determine the safety of any procedure or device they recommend for pregnant women. This includes xray machines, surgical tools, as well as other equipment. This could result in serious consequences for a baby should a doctor use the equipment in error or fails to calibrate it correctly. This is considered to be malpractice. It is essential to contact a medical malpractice lawyer immediately should this happen. In some states, you're given only one year to file a complaint for medical malpractice therefore it's best to start the process as soon as possible.

Take the First Step

Birth defects are the leading cause of infant deaths. They affect one in 33 babies each year. These conditions can be life-threatening, and can result in long-term physical, cognitive and emotional problems. In a few instances, scientists have identified the cause to be a mother's exposure to prescription or non-prescription medications, toxins accumulated in the environment as well as maternal infections, complications of pregnancy and delivery or a medical history of the family (like genetic illnesses, sickle cell disease or PKU). However, in approximately 70% of all birth defects the cause is not known.

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

Researchers are attempting to determine what causes birth defects and how these can be avoided. For instance women who smoke or drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs during pregnancy increase their likelihood of having a child with certain defects. Women with a history of family members with inherited genetic disorders should seek out a genetic counselor prior to trying to get pregnant. They should also utilize the March of Dimes family health record form to gather information regarding medical conditions that run in their families and provide it to their doctor or a genetic counselor.