What Causes a Birth Defect?

It's the last thing an expecting parents wants to hear: their child could be born with a birth defect. These defects could be the result of things that happen during the fetal development and can affect the mental or physical health of your child.

Prenatal testing and newborn screening can be used by a health professional to diagnose certain birth defects that can occur during pregnancy. However other birth defects might not be detected until after the birth of your child or later when they develop symptoms.

What Caused Your Child's Defect?

The root of numerous Sebring Birth Defect Lawyer defects remains unclear. There are several factors that could increase the likelihood of the mother having a child with a birth defect. One of them is taking certain medications or drugs prior to conception or having a family history of norridge birth defect lawsuit defects, or having medical conditions, such as rheumatic diseases. Women with a family history of these diseases are advised to speak with a genetic counselor prior to getting pregnant.

The severity of a birth defect in a child is contingent on the affected body part and the degree to which it is affected. Usually, the more severe the defect, the more severe the problem will be.

Most birth defects are caused by genetics or the environment during fetal development. You can reduce your risk of having a birth defect by consulting with a genetic counsellor and learning about the health background of your family, and speaking with an expert in genetics.

Structural defects are birth issues that affect how an area of your body looks or performs. They can range from the visible like cleft lip and cleft palate, but also the invisible, like metabolic disorders or chromosome problems. Genetic conditions that are passed down through the generations could be a form of birth defects with structural causes. Environmental factors, like the lack of folic acids, can cause neural tube defects that cause the development of the spinal or brain not functioning as it should.

Get More Evidence than You Think

There are many medical procedures a pregnant woman can undergo to find out more about the possibility of a birth defect. Amniocentesis is a prime example, where a healthcare provider takes a small sample of fluid from the fetus for testing. This test may reveal chromosomal mutations and other health issues such as infections (such as rubella or Zika) or genetic abnormalities.

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

Some birth defects may not be discovered until after a baby's birth or, in rare cases even as an adult. This is because the conditions aren't easily detected until they are present and may only be diagnosed using diagnostic equipment. In these cases, the medical expert witness must be familiar with the technology and have the knowledge and experience required to identify these defects. A seasoned medical malpractice attorney will be able to identify the most suitable expert for your particular case.

Hire a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

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

While medical science can identify the causes of 30 percent of birth defects, others remain a mystery. Research has found that certain chemicals and substances like those found in prescription or over-the-counter medications taken by a mother, toxic chemicals in the homes and communities, or contaminated groundwater and air, can cause birth defects.

Doctors are required to evaluate the medication taken by a pregnant mother and inform her of any possible risks for the foetus. If they fail in this obligation, they could be held accountable for birth defects caused by medication.

Doctors must also evaluate the safety and efficacy of any equipment or procedure they recommend to pregnant women. This includes xray machines, surgical tools, and other equipment. This could have serious consequences for a baby in the event that a physician uses the equipment in error or does not calibrate it correctly. This would be considered medical malpractice. When this happens it's crucial to seek out a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can. In some states, you're given only one year to file a complaint for medical malpractice, so it's best to begin the process as soon as you can.

Begin by completing the first Step

Birth defects are the primary cause of infant death. They affect one in 33 babies each year. These conditions can be life-threatening and can cause a myriad of cognitive, emotional, and physical difficulties. Researchers have in a few instances linked the causes of birth defects due to exposure of the mother to prescription and over-the-counter medications or environmental toxins, as well as complications of motherhood, infections, the birth and pregnancy and medical history of the family, or genetic diseases (like sickle cell disease PKU, or other genetic diseases). In about 70% of cases, the reason is unknown.

Certain birth defects are easily noticeable and can be detected when a baby is born or in the first year of life. Other conditions, such as heart defects or developmental and intellectual disabilities, are not as easily identified and require specialized tests.

Researchers are trying to determine the root of birth defects, and how they can be avoided. Women who drink, smoke or consume illegal substances while pregnant are at greater risk of having a child 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 data about medical conditions that run through their families. This information should be shared with their doctor or genetic counselor.