What Causes a Birth Defect?

It's not something that any expecting parent would like to hear: Their child could be born with a birth defect. These issues can be caused by the the fetal development and can affect the mental or physical health of your child.

Testing for prenatal and newborns can be utilized by a health care provider to diagnose certain birth defects that can occur during pregnancy. However, other birth defects may not be identified until after your child is born or a few years later when they show symptoms.

What caused your child's asymmetry?

Many birth defects are not known. However, there are a few things that increase the risk of having a baby with defects. Some of these include taking certain medications or prescription drugs before getting pregnant, having a family history of canton birth defect attorney defects, or having medical conditions such as rheumatic disease. Women who have an ancestry of these disorders should consult an expert in genetic counseling about their options prior getting pregnant.

The degree of cusseta birth defect lawyer defect in a child is contingent on the body part that is affected and the extent to which it is affected. The more severe a birth defect, the more serious the issues.

The majority of birth defects are caused by genetics or the environment during fetal growth. You can lessen the risk of a birth deformity by consulting with a genetic counsellor as well as learning about the health history of your family, and having a conversation with an expert in genetics.

Structural defects are birth problems that affect the way the body looks or functions. They may be visible like cleft lips and cleft palettes. They can also be invisible, as with chromosome conditions or metabolic conditions. Genetic conditions that are passed down through the generations are one type of birth defect that is structural, while environmental factors such as the absence of folic acid can cause neural tube defects, which can result in the spinal cord or brain not developing correctly.

Gather More Evidence Than You Think

There are many medical procedures pregnant mothers can undergo in order to discover more about the possibility of birth defects. Amniocentesis is one example, where a healthcare provider takes an insignificant amount of fluid from the fetus for analysis. This procedure can reveal chromosomal defects, as well other health conditions such as infections (such as Zika or rubella) or genetic anomalies.

A doctor can also test the blood of a fetus, amniotic fluid and even the tissues of its umbilical cord for signs of birth defects. These tests are crucial in determining the cause of a birth defect. They can also assist in determining how serious a birth defect could be and the consequences it could have on a child in his or her adult life.

However some birth defects can be unnoticed until the baby is born or, in rare cases, as an adult. This is because these problems are not easily identified until they become apparent, and can sometimes only be recognized with the help of diagnostic equipment. In these kinds of cases, it is critical that the medical expert witness involved is familiar with these technologies and has the right experience to identify such defects. A medical malpractice lawyer with experience should be able to identify the most appropriate specialist for your case.

Employ a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

A child born with a serious defect or severe birth injury can alter the life of the family. These injuries can create life-long physical and psychological challenges that often require an entire lifetime of medical attention.

While medical science can identify the root causes of around 30 percent of birth defects others remain unexplained. Research has shown certain chemicals and substances such as those found in prescription or over-the-counter medications that mothers take or in toxic chemicals found in communities and homes as well as contaminated groundwater and air can cause birth defects.

Doctors are required to assess the dosage of medication taken by a pregnant mother and inform her of any potential dangers for the foetus. If they fail to perform this duty, they may be held accountable for birth defects caused by medication.

Doctors are also required to evaluate the safety of any procedure or device they recommend for pregnant women. This includes x ray machines, surgical instruments, and other equipment. If a doctor makes a mistake using the equipment or fails properly calibrate the equipment, it could cause serious consequences for the baby. This is a case of malpractice. It is essential to contact a medical negligence lawyer as soon as you can in the event of this happening. In some states, you have only a single year to file a medical negligence claim, so the earlier you start the process the more favorable.

Step 1. Step

massapequa park birth defect lawyer defects affect 1 in 33 babies born every year and are a leading cause of infant mortality. The condition could be life-threatening and result in a variety of long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical challenges. In some instances, scientists have connected the causes to mother's exposure to prescription or over-the-counter drugs, toxins in the environment or in the maternal environment, as well as complications during pregnancy and delivery or family medical history (like genetic diseases, sickle cell disease or PKU). In about 70% of cases, the reason is unknown.

Some birth defects, like clubfoot or hearing loss, are easy to see and are easily diagnosed from birth or within the first year of a child's life. Some birth defects, like heart defects or intellectual and developmental disabilities require special tests to determine the cause.

Researchers are trying determine the root of birth defects, and how they can be avoided. For instance women who smoke or drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs during pregnancy increase the likelihood of having a child with certain birth defects. Women with a family history that involves genetic disorders that are inherited may want to consult a genetic counselor prior to trying to get pregnant. They can also use the March of Dimes Family Health 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.