What Causes a Birth Defect?

The last thing that any expecting parent wants to be told is that their child might be born with a deformity. These issues are caused by circumstances that occur during growing up and could affect the mental or physical health of your child.

Prenatal testing and newborn screening can be utilized by a healthcare professional to determine the presence of certain birth defects that can occur during pregnancy. Other birth defects may only be detected following the birth of your child, or after symptoms appear.

What caused your child's asymmetry?

Many birth defects remain 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 before becoming pregnant, having a family history of birth defects, or having certain medical conditions like rheumatic disease. Women with an ancestral history of these disorders are advised to consult an expert on genetics prior to getting pregnant.

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

Most birth defects are caused by genetics or the environment during fetal development. The chance of developing a birth defect is reduced by knowing about your family's history with genes and health issues, talking to an expert on genetics and following the guidelines for prenatal care.

Structural defects are birth problems that affect the way an area of your body appears or functions. They can range from visible such as cleft lips and cleft palate, to the invisibly, such as metabolic disorders or chromosome problems. Genetic conditions that are passed down through the generations are one kind of birth defect that is structural, while environmental factors, such as an absence of folic acids can cause neural tube defects, which can result in the brain or spinal cord not developing properly.

Find More Evidence Than You Think You Can.

There are many medical procedures pregnant women can undergo to find out more about potential birth defects. Amniocentesis is a prime example, in which a healthcare professional takes tiny amounts of fluid from the fetus for analysis. This procedure could reveal chromosomal anomalies, as well other health conditions like infections (such as Zika or rubella) or genetic anomalies.

A doctor can also examine the fetus's blood or amniotic fluid as well as the umbilical cord for indications of birth defects. These tests are essential in finding out the reason for a birth defect. They also aid in determining the severity of the birth defect is and the consequences it could have on a child's the years to come.

Certain birth defects might not be detected until after the birth of a child or, in rare cases even as an adult. These conditions aren't readily apparent when they first appear and are usually only detected by using equipment for diagnosing. In these kinds of cases, it's crucial that the medical expert witness in question is familiar with these technologies and has the proper training to be able to identify such defects. A seasoned medical malpractice attorney is able to determine the right expert for your case.

Employ a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

A child born with a serious defect or a serious payson birth defect attorney 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.

Medical science is able to explain approximately 30 percent of birth defects, but many others are still unsolved. Studies have shown that certain chemicals and substances may cause birth defects, such as those found in prescription or over-the-counter medication that mothers take and the harmful chemicals that the heart of some communities and in homes, or the contaminating air and groundwater.

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

Doctors also have a duty to evaluate the safety of any procedure or equipment they recommend for pregnant women. This includes x-ray machines surgical tools, as well as other equipment. This could result in serious consequences for a baby if a doctor uses the equipment improperly or does not calibrate it correctly. This would be considered malpractice. If this happens it's crucial to seek out a medical malpractice attorney as quickly as you can. In some states, you're given only one year to file a complaint for medical malpractice therefore it's best to start the process as soon as possible.

Take the First Step

Birth defects are the main cause of infant death. They affect one in 33 babies each year. The conditions can be life-threatening and cause long-term physical, emotional and cognitive challenges. Scientists have, in some instances, identified the causes of stratford birth defect Lawyer defects to exposure to prescription and over-the-counter drugs as well as environmental toxins, maternal infections, complications during delivery and pregnancy, family medical history, or genetic diseases (like sickle cell disease, PKU, or genetic illnesses). In about 70% of cases, the reason is unknown.

Certain birth defects, like hearing loss or clubfoot are easy to spot and can be identified at birth or within the first year of a child's life. Other birth defects, such as heart defects or developmental and intellectual disabilities are not as obvious and require tests of a different kind.

Researchers are trying to discover what can cause birth defects and how some of these can be avoided. For example, women who smoke or drink alcohol or take illegal drugs during pregnancy increase the likelihood of having a child with certain birth defects. Women who have a family history of genetic disorders that are inherited may want to consult with a genetic counselor before trying to be pregnant. They should also utilize 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.