What Causes a Birth Defect?

It's not something that any expecting parents wants to hear: Their child could be born with a birth defect. These problems are caused by things that happen during growing up and could affect the physical or mental health of your child.

A medical professional can detect birth defects in pregnancy through newborn screening or prenatal tests. Other birth defect law firm defects may only be identified after the birth of your child, or after symptoms start to show.

What caused your child's deficiency?

Many birth defects are not known. There are a few factors which can increase the chances of being pregnant with a child with birth defect. One of them is taking certain medications or drugs before becoming pregnant or having an ancestral history of birth defects or having medical conditions such as rheumatic disease. Women who have an ancestral history of these disorders are advised to consult an expert in genetic counseling prior to becoming pregnant.

The severity of a birth defect in a child varies on the affected body part and how severe the damage. The more severe a birth defect, the more serious the problems.

The majority of birth defects are caused by genetics or the environment during the development of the fetus. You can lessen the risk of developing a birth defect by talking to a genetic counsellor as well as learning about the health background of your family, and speaking with a geneticist.

Structural birth problems are those that alter how a part of the body appears or performs. They can be obvious, like cleft lips and Cleft palettes, but also invisible, as with chromosome conditions or metabolic disorders. Inherited genetic conditions are one type of structural birth defect while environmental factors such as a lack of folic acid can lead to neural tube defects that cause brain or spinal cord not developing correctly.

Find More Evidence Than You Think You Can.

There are a variety of medical procedures that pregnant women can undergo to find out more about the possibility of a birth defect. One example is amniocentesis, that involves a doctor taking a small sample of fetal fluid for analysis. This procedure may reveal chromosomal irregularities as well as other health conditions such as infections (such as Zika or rubella) or genetic anomalies.

A doctor can also examine the blood of a fetus as well as amniotic fluid and the tissues of its umbilical cord for indications of birth defects. These tests are crucial in determining the cause of birth defect. They can also assist in determining the severity of the birth defect could be and the consequences it could affect a child later in his or her adult life.

Certain birth defects may not be detected until after the birth of a baby or, in some rare cases even after becoming an adult. These conditions are not detectable when they first appear and are usually only detected with diagnostic equipment. For these types of situations, it is essential that the medical expert witness in question is knowledgeable about these technologies and has the appropriate training to be able to recognize these defects. A seasoned medical malpractice lawyer should be able to identify the right expert for your particular case.

Hire an attorney who specializes in medical malpractice

When a child is born with a severe birth defect or suffers a devastating birth injury, it could completely turn a family's world upside down. These injuries can create life-long physical and emotional problems and often require a lifetime of medical care.

While medical science is able to pinpoint the root causes of around 30% of birth defects, many others remain unsolved. Research has proven that certain chemicals and substances can cause birth defects, for example those that are found in prescription or over-the counter medications that mothers use, the toxic chemicals at play in certain communities and homes, as well as contaminated groundwater and air.

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

Doctors also have a duty to determine the safety of any procedure or equipment they recommend for pregnant women. This includes x-ray instruments, surgical instruments and other equipment. It could be a serious risk for a child if a doctor uses the equipment in a negligent manner or does not calibrate it properly. This would be considered medical malpractice. If this happens, it's important to consult a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can. In some states you have only one year to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice therefore it's best to begin the process as soon as possible.

Take the First Step

damascus birth defect lawsuit defects affect one in 33 babies born each year and are the most common cause of infant death. These conditions can be life-threatening and can lead to many long term mental, 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 and maternal infections, the complications of pregnancy and birth, or medical history of the family (like genetic illnesses, sickle cell disease or PKU). However, in approximately 70% of birth defect cases the causes are not clear.

Some sparta Birth defect Law firm defects are easily detectable and can be identified when a baby is born or in the first year of life. Other birth defects, such as heart defects or intellectual and developmental disabilities are not as obvious and require special tests.

Researchers are working to understand what causes birth defects and how they can be prevented. Women who drink, smoke or consume illegal substances while pregnant are at a higher risk of having a child with certain defects. Women who have a family history of inheritance genetic disorders should seek out a genetic counselor before trying to get pregnant. They should also fill out the March of Dimes family health history form to gather information about medical conditions that run in their families and discuss it with their doctor Ironton birth Defect attorney or genetic counselor.