What Causes a Birth Defect?

The last thing a expecting parent wants to be told is that their child could have a birth defect. These birth defects are caused by things that occur during the development of the fetus and can affect your child's physical or mental health.

A health care provider can detect birth defects in pregnancy through newborn screening or prenatal tests. However other birth defects could not be diagnosed until after the birth of your child or when they start to develop symptoms.

What Caused Your Child's Defect?

The reason for many birth defects remains unknown. However there are a few factors that can increase the chance of having a baby born with a defect. Some of these include using certain medications or taking certain drugs prior to conception, having a family history of birth defects, or having medical conditions such as rheumatic disease. Women who have an established history of these diseases should talk to an expert on genetic counseling about their options prior to getting pregnant.

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

Most birth defects are caused through genetics or environmental factors during fetal growth. You can lower the risk of a birth deformity by consulting with a genetic counsellor as well as learning about the health history of your family, and talking with an expert in genetics.

Structural defects are birth issues that affect how the body appears or functions. They can range from the visible such as cleft lips and cleft palate to the invisible, such as metabolic disorders or chromosome problems. Inherited genetic conditions can result in birth defects that are structural. Environmental factors, like a lack folic acid, can cause neural tube defects that result in the development of the spinal or brain not functioning as it should.

Gather More Evidence than You Think

There are a variety of medical procedures a pregnant woman can undergo to determine a potential birth defect. One of these is amniocentesis which involves a healthcare provider taking a small sample of fetal fluid for analysis. This test can reveal chromosomal modifications and other health issues such as infections (such as rubella or Zika) or genetic abnormalities.

A doctor can examine the amniotic liquid, blood and the fetus's tissues for signs of a birth defect. These tests are vital in determining the cause of birth defect. They also help determine the degree of a birth defect and its effects on a child's adult life.

However, some birth defects can remain unnoticed until a child is born or, in rare instances, even as an adult. These conditions are not detectable when they occur and can be detected by using diagnostic equipment. For these types of situations, it is essential that the medical expert witness involved is well-versed in these technologies and has the proper knowledge to spot these issues. An experienced medical malpractice attorney will be able to identify the right expert for your particular 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 the world of a family upside down. These injuries can cause long-lasting physical and emotional issues and often require the need for a lifetime of medical treatment.

Although medical science has been able to identify the causes of about 30% of birth defects, others remain unsolved. Studies have shown that certain chemicals and substances may cause coshocton birth defect lawsuit defects, such as those present in prescription or over the counter medications a mother takes or the toxic chemicals at working in some communities and in homes, or the contaminating air and groundwater.

Doctors are required by law to analyze the medication taken by the expecting mother and inform her of any possible risks to the foetus. If they fail to meet this obligation, attorneys they could be held responsible for birth defects that are caused by medication.

Doctors are also required to assess the safety and effectiveness of any equipment or procedure they recommend to pregnant women. This includes x ray instruments, surgical instruments and other equipment. This could cause serious harm for a newborn baby should a doctor use the equipment improperly or does not calibrate it properly. This would be considered malpractice. If this happens it is important to seek out a medical malpractice attorney as quickly as you can. In some states you have only one year to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice which is why it's important to begin the process as soon as you can.

Start with the First Step

Birth defects are the primary cause of infant deaths. They affect one in 33 babies every year. These conditions are life-threatening, and they can cause permanent physical, cognitive and emotional difficulties. In some instances, researchers have connected the causes to mother's exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medications, toxins accumulated in the environment as well as maternal infections, complications of pregnancy and delivery or medical history in the family (like genetic illnesses such as sickle cell disease, PKU). However, in a majority of birth defect cases the causes are not clear.

Certain birth defects are easily noticeable and can be detected at birth or within the first year of life. Others, such as heart problems or intellectual and developmental disabilities, are not as easily identifiable and require tests that are specific to the condition.

Researchers are trying to figure out what causes birth defects and how they can be prevented. For Mount pleasant Birth Defect Law firm example smoking or drink alcohol or take illegal drugs during pregnancy increase the chance of having a baby with a defect. Women who have a family history of inherited genetic disorders should seek out a genetic counselor prior to trying to become 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 share it with their doctor or a genetic counselor.