What Causes a Birth Defect?

It's the last thing any expecting parents wants to hear: Their child may be born with a defect. These problems are caused by the things that happen during the development of the fetus and can affect your child's physical or mental health.

A doctor can diagnose some birth defects during pregnancy by using the prenatal test or newborn screening. Other birth defects can only be detected following the birth of your child or if symptoms start to show.

What is the cause of your child's deformity?

The root of many birth defects remains unknown. However there are several factors that can increase the chance of having a child born with defects. One of them is using certain medications or taking certain drugs prior to becoming pregnant, having an ancestral history of birth defects or having medical conditions, such as rheumatic diseases. Women who have an history of these conditions should speak with a genetic counselor about their options prior to becoming pregnant.

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

Most birth defects are caused by genetics or the environment during the fetal growth. The chance of developing birth defects can be decreased by educating yourself about your family's history of genes and health issues and speaking with a genetic counselor and following prenatal care guidelines.

Structural defects are birth problems that affect the way an area of your body looks or performs. 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 can result in birth defects that cause structural changes. Environmental factors, such as the absence of folic acid can cause neural tube defects that result in the development of the spinal or brain not working as intended.

Find More Evidence Than You Think You Can.

There are a variety of medical procedures pregnant mothers may undergo to learn more about a possible gridley birth defect lawsuit defect. Amniocentesis, for instance, is where a doctor collects a small sample of fluid from the fetus for analysis. This procedure can reveal chromosomal defects, as well other health conditions like infections (such as Zika or rubella) or genetic anomalies.

A doctor can also examine the blood of a fetus or amniotic fluid as well as the tissues of its umbilical cord for indications of birth defects. These tests are essential to finding out the reason for a Aberdeen Birth Defect Attorney defect. They can also assist in determining how severe a birth defect could be and the consequences it could have on a child in the years to come.

However certain birth defects could be missed until a baby is born, or in rare instances, even as an adult. These problems aren't visible prior to their onset and can be detected with equipment for diagnosing. For these kinds of cases, it's crucial that the medical expert witness involved is well-versed in these technologies and has the appropriate experience to recognize these defects. A medical malpractice lawyer with experience should be able to identify the right specialist for your case.

Employ a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

If a child is born with a serious birth defect or suffers a serious birth injury, it could completely turn a family's life upside down. These injuries can create life-long physical and emotional challenges which often require the need for a lifetime of medical treatment.

Although medical science has been able to identify the causes of about 30 percent of birth defects, many others remain unexplained. Research has shown that certain chemicals and substances may cause birth defects, for example those that are found in prescription or over-the counter medicines that mothers are prescribed or the toxic chemicals at working in some communities and in homes, or the contaminating air and groundwater.

Doctors are required to evaluate the medications taken by the mother-to-be and inform her of any potential risks to the foetus. If they fail in their duty, they may be held accountable for birth defects caused by medication.

Doctors also have the responsibility to assess the safety of any procedure or device they recommend to pregnant women. This includes x-ray machines, surgical instruments, and other equipment. If a physician is negligent when using the equipment or fails properly calibrate the equipment, it could result in serious consequences for the baby. This is a case of malpractice. When this happens it is important to speak with a medical malpractice attorney as quickly as you can. In some states, you are only allowed a single year to file a medical negligence case, so the sooner you start the process, the more favorable.

Step 1. Step

massapequa park birth defect lawyer defects affect 1 out of 33 newborns every year, and are a leading cause of infant mortality. These conditions are life-threatening and cause a myriad of physical, emotional and cognitive difficulties. Scientists have in a few cases identified the causes of birth defects to the mother's exposures to prescription and over-the-counter medications and environmental toxins, maternal infections, complications during the birth and pregnancy and family medical history or genetic illnesses (like sickle cell disease PKU, sickle cell disease, or other genetic diseases). However, in the majority of birth defects cases the causes are not clear.

Certain birth defects are readily evident and can be found at birth or in the first year of life. Some birth defects, such as heart defects or intellectual and developmental disabilities require specific tests to determine the cause.

Researchers are trying to determine what causes 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 born with certain defects. Women with a history of family members that includes inherited genetic disorders may want to consult with a genetic counselor prior to trying to get pregnant. They should also utilize the March of Dimes Family Health History form to collect information about medical conditions that can be traced through their families. This information should be shared with their doctor or genetic counselor.