What Causes a Birth Defect?

It's not something that any expecting parent would like to hear: their child may have a birth defect. These problems can be caused by events that occur during fetal growth and can affect the mental or physical health of your child.

Screening for newborns and prenatal tests can be utilized by a health professional to diagnose certain birth defects that can occur during pregnancy. However other birth defects can not be identified until after the baby is born or when they start to develop symptoms.

What is the cause of your child's deformity?

Many birth defects are still undiscovered. However, there are a few things that increase a woman's risk of having a child with a defect. Some of these include taking certain medications or drugs prior to becoming pregnant, having a family history of st paul birth defect lawyer defects or having certain medical conditions such as rheumatic illness. Women who have an established history of these diseases should speak with an expert on genetic counseling about their options prior to getting pregnant.

The degree of birth defect in a child varies on the affected body part and how severe the damage. Typically, the more severe the defect is it, the more serious the problem will be.

The majority of birth defects are caused by genetics or the environment during the fetal growth. You can lessen the risk of a birth deformity by consulting with a genetic counsellor, learning about the health background of your family, and talking with the geneticist.

Structural defects are birth defects that affect the way an element of your body appears or performs. They can be visible, such as cleft lips and cleft palettes. They can also be invisible, like chromosome issues or metabolic conditions. Genetic conditions that are passed down through the generations can result in birth defects that are structural. Environmental factors, such as an absence of folic acid can cause neural tube defects, which result in the development of the spinal cord and brain not working as intended.

Gather More Evidence than You Think You Can.

There are many medical procedures a pregnant mother is able to undergo in order to learn more about a possible birth defect. Amniocentesis is one example, in which a healthcare professional takes small amounts of fluid from the fetus for testing. This test can reveal chromosomal modifications, as well as other health conditions, such as infections (such as rubella or Zika) or genetic anomalies.

A doctor can test the amniotic liquid, blood and the tissues of a fetus for signs of birth defect. These tests are crucial in determining the cause of birth defect. They can also determine the severity of a birth defect and its effects on a child's future.

Some birth defects may not be detected until after the birth of a child or, in rare instances even as an adult. These issues aren't easily detected when they occur and are often only discovered through diagnostic equipment. For these types of cases, it's crucial that the medical expert witness is familiar with these technologies and has the appropriate experience to detect these flaws. An experienced medical malpractice lawyer is able to determine the most suitable expert for your particular case.

Find a Medical Malpractice Attorney

When a child is born with a serious birth defect or suffers from a severe birth injury, it can completely turn a family's life upside down. These injuries can cause permanent physical and mental problems that require medical attention for a lifetime.

While medical science is able to pinpoint the underlying causes behind about 30% of birth defects, many others remain unsolved. Research has shown certain chemicals and substances such as those found in prescription or over-the-counter medicines taken by mothers or in toxic chemicals found in the community and in homes or groundwater that is contaminated air may cause birth defects.

Doctors are required to evaluate the medication used by an expectant mother and inform her of any possible dangers for the fetus. If they fail to fulfill this obligation, they could be held accountable for Bennettsville Birth Defect Attorney defects that are caused by medication.

Doctors also have the responsibility to evaluate the safety of any procedure or equipment 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 cause serious consequences for the baby. This would be considered medical malpractice. It is important to get in touch with a medical malfeasance lawyer as soon as you can should this happen. 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.

Take the First Step

Birth defects affect 1 out of 33 babies born every year, and are a leading cause of infant mortality. These conditions can be life-threatening, and they can cause long-term physical, cognitive and emotional difficulties. In a few instances, scientists have linked the causes to a mother's exposure to prescription or over-the counter medications, toxins found in the environment and maternal infections, the complications of pregnancy and delivery or medical history of the family (like genetic diseases, sickle cell disease or PKU). In around 70% of cases, the cause is unknown.

Certain birth defects, including hearing loss or clubfoot are easy to detect and can be identified at birth or in the first year of a child's life. Certain birth defects, such as heart defects, intellectual and developmental disabilities require tests specific to identify.

Researchers are trying to discover what causes birth defects and how they can be prevented. Women who drink, smoke or take illegal drugs while pregnant are at greater risk of having a child with certain defects. Women with a family history that involves genetic disorders that are passed down through generations may wish to consult a genetic counsellor before trying to get pregnant. They should also use 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 or a genetic counselor.