What Causes a Birth Defect?

It's the last thing any expecting parents wants to hear: Their child may be born with a defect. These defects could be the result of circumstances that occur during growing up and could affect the physical or mental health of your child.

Testing for prenatal and newborns can be utilized by a health care provider to determine the presence of certain birth defects that can occur during pregnancy. Other birth defects can be discovered only after the birth of your child or when symptoms begin to appear.

What is the cause of your child's deformity?

The causes of numerous birth defects remains unclear. However there are several factors that can increase the likelihood of having a baby with defects. One of them is using certain medications or taking certain drugs before becoming pregnant, having a family history of Birth defect law firms [85.biqund.com] defects, or having medical conditions like rheumatic disease. Women who have a history of these disorders should speak with an expert on genetic counseling about their options prior to becoming pregnant.

The degree of birth defect attorney defect in a child is contingent on the body part that is affected and the extent to which it is affected. The more severe the birth defect, the more severe the problems.

Most birth defects are caused either through genetics or environmental factors during fetal development. The chance of developing birth defects can be reduced by learning about your family's history with genes and health issues, talking to a genetic counselor Birth defect law Firms and following the prenatal care guidelines.

Structural defects are birth problems that affect the way an area of your body appears or performs. They can range from the visible like cleft lips and cleft palate to the invisibly, such as metabolic disorders or chromosome problems. Genetic conditions that are passed down through the generations may be a sign of birth defects that are structural. Environmental factors, like the absence of folic acid can cause neural tube defects that lead to brain or spinal cord development not being correct.

Gather More Evidence Than You Think

There are many medical procedures pregnant mothers can undergo in order to learn more about a possible birth defect. One of them is amniocentesis which involves a healthcare provider taking a small amount of fetal fluid for analysis. This procedure could reveal chromosomal anomalies, as well other health conditions, such as infections (such as Zika or rubella) or genetic anomalies.

A doctor can examine the amniotic liquid, blood and the tissues of a fetus for signs of birth defect. These tests are vital in finding out the cause of birth defects. They can also assist in determining how severe the birth defect could be and the impact it will have on a child in their adulthood.

However some birth defects can remain unnoticed until a child is born or, in rare instances, even as an adult. These issues aren't easily detected when they occur and are usually only detected with equipment for diagnosing. In these cases the medical expert witness must be knowledgeable with the latest technologies and possess the necessary training to recognize these issues. A lawyer who has years of experience will be able to determine the appropriate expert for your case.

Employ a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

If a child is born with a serious birth defect or suffers from a severe birth injury, it could completely turn a family's life upside down. These injuries can create life-long physical and emotional challenges that often require an entire lifetime of medical attention.

Medical science is able to explain approximately 30% of birth defect cases, but many others remain unsolved. Studies have shown that certain chemicals and substances can cause birth defects, including those that are found in prescription and over-the-counter medication that mothers take and the harmful chemicals that work in some communities and in homes, or the contaminating groundwater and air.

Doctors are required by law to analyze the dosage of medication taken by the mother-to-be and inform her of any possible dangers for the baby. If they fail in this obligation, they could be held responsible for birth defects caused by medications.

Doctors also have a duty to evaluate the safety of any procedure or device they recommend to pregnant women. This includes x ray instruments, surgical instruments and other equipment. It could be a serious risk for a baby's health if a doctor uses the equipment in a negligent manner or fails to calibrate it correctly. This would be considered medical malpractice. It is essential to contact a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can when this happens. In certain states, you are only allowed one year to file a medical malpractice case, so the sooner you begin the process the more favorable.

Start with the First Step

Birth defects affect 1 out of 33 babies born every year and are a major cause of infant mortality. The conditions can be life-threatening and result in a variety of long-term mental, emotional and physical problems. Scientists have in some cases connected the causes of birth defects to exposure to prescription and non-prescription drugs, environmental toxins, complications of motherhood, infections, pregnancy and birth, family medical history, or genetic illnesses (like sickle cell disease PKU, or other genetic illnesses). In about 70% of cases, the reason is unknown.

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

Researchers are working to understand what can cause birth defects and how some of them can be prevented. For example women who smoke or drink alcohol or take illegal drugs during pregnancy increase the chances of having a child with certain birth defects. Women with a family history of inheritance genetic disorders should consult a genetic counselor before trying to become pregnant. They should also utilize the March of Dimes Family Health History form to collect information on medical conditions that run through their families. This information should be shared with their doctor or genetic counselor.