What Causes a Birth Defect?

It's the last thing an expecting parent would like to hear: Their child may have a birth defect. These problems can be caused by things that happen during pregnancy and can impact the physical or mental health of your child.

Prenatal screening and newborn screening can be used by a health professional to determine the presence of certain birth defects that can occur during pregnancy. However other birth defects could not be diagnosed until after your child is born or a few years later when they show symptoms.

What caused your child's deficiency?

Many birth defects remain undiscovered. However, there are a few factors that can increase the risk of having a child born with a defect. These include using prescription drugs or taking certain medications prior to pregnancy, a history of having a family member who has a birth defect or having certain medical conditions like rheumatic heart disease. Women who have a history of these disorders should talk to a genetic counselor about their options before getting pregnant.

Whether a child's birth defect can cause serious health issues or not is contingent upon the body part that is affected and the extent of the body part affected. Usually, the more severe the defect then the more severe the problem will be.

Most south milwaukee birth defect attorney defects are caused by genetics or the environment during fetal growth. The chance of developing a birth defect is reduced by knowing about your family's history of genes and health issues and speaking with an expert in genetic counseling and following prenatal care guidelines.

Structural birth imperfections are those that alter how a part of the body appears or functions. They may range from the visible like cleft lips and cleft palate, up to the invisibly, such as metabolic disorders or chromosome disorders. Genetic disorders that are inherited could be a form of birth defects that are structural. Environmental causes, such as a lack folic acid, can cause neural tube defects that result in the development of the spinal cord or brain not functioning properly.

Get More Evidence than You Think You Can.

There are several medical procedures that pregnant women can undergo to learn more about a potential birth defect. Amniocentesis can be one of them, in which a healthcare professional takes a small sample of fluid from the fetus for analysis. This test could reveal chromosomal variations, as well as other health conditions, such as infections (such as rubella or Zika) or genetic abnormalities.

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 essential in diagnosing the root of birth defect. They also help determine the severity of birth defect and the impact it has on a child's life.

Some birth defects might not be detected until after a baby's robbinsdale birth defect attorney or, in some rare cases even as an adult. This is because the conditions are not detectable until they become apparent, and often can only be identified with the use of diagnostic equipment. In these kinds of cases, it's crucial that the medical expert witness is familiar with these techniques and has the appropriate training to be able to identify such defects. A medical malpractice lawyer with experience should be able to identify the right specialist for your case.

Employ a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

A child born with a serious defect or a serious birth injury can completely change the life of a family. These injuries can lead to permanent physical and mental problems, requiring medical care for the rest of their lives.

Medical science is able to explain approximately 30 percent of birth defect cases but the rest are still unknown. Research has proven that certain chemicals and substances may cause birth defects, like those found in prescription or over-the-counter medication that mothers take, the toxic chemicals at play in certain communities and homes, as well as contaminated air and groundwater.

Doctors are required by law to analyze the medications taken by an expectant mother and inform her of any potential dangers to the fetus. If they fail in their obligation, they can be held responsible for birth defects that are caused by medications.

Doctors must also evaluate the safety and effectiveness 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 to correctly calibrate the equipment, it could result in serious consequences for the baby. This is considered to be malpractice. It is crucial to speak with a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can in the event of this happening. In certain states, you have only one year to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice and it's recommended to begin the process as soon as possible.

Step 1. Step

Birth defects are the leading cause of infant deaths. They affect one in 33 babies each year. The condition can be life-threatening and cause long-term physical, emotional and cognitive difficulties. In some cases, scientists have linked the causes to a mother's exposure to prescription or over-the counter medications, toxins accumulated in the environment and maternal infections, the complications of pregnancy and birth or medical history in the family (like genetic illnesses such as sickle cell disease, PKU). In the majority of cases, the reason is not known.

Certain kennesaw birth defect lawsuit defects, such as clubfoot or hearing loss, are easy to detect and can be diagnosed at birth or within the first year of a child's existence. Some birth defects, like heart defects or intellectual and developmental disabilities, require special tests to be identified.

Researchers are working to understand the causes of birth defects and how some of these can be avoided. Women who smoke, drink or take illegal drugs when pregnant are at a higher risk of having a child born with certain defects. Women with a history of family members that includes genetic disorders that are passed down through generations may wish to consult with a genetic counselor prior to trying to get pregnant. They should also use the March of Dimes family health record form to gather information about medical conditions that are prevalent in their families and then share it with their doctor or genetic counselor.