What Causes a Birth Defect?

It's the last thing any expecting parent would like to hear: Their child may have a birth defect. These problems are caused by the things that happen during fetal development and can affect your child's mental or physical health.

Screening for newborns and prenatal tests can be utilized by a doctor to determine the presence of certain birth defects that can occur during pregnancy. However other birth defects can not be detected until after your child is born or when they start to develop symptoms.

What caused your child's deficiency?

Many birth defects remain undiscovered. There are several factors that can increase the risk of pregnant women having children with a San Marcos Birth Defect Law Firm defect. These include using drugs or taking certain medications before the birth, having a family member with birth defects or certain medical conditions, like rheumatic heart disease. Women who have an history of these conditions are advised to consult a genetic counselor about their options prior to becoming pregnant.

If a birth defect in a baby causes serious problems or not is contingent upon which body part is affected and the extent of the body part affected. The more severe the kingston birth defect lawsuit defect, the more severe the issues.

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

Structural defects are birth problems that affect the way a part of your body appears or performs. They may be visible, such as cleft lips and Cleft palettes, but also invisible, as with chromosome conditions or metabolic disorders. Genetic conditions that are passed down through the generations are one type of structural bethel park birth defect law firm defect, while environmental factors like an absence of folic acids can cause neural tube defects, san marcos birth defect law firm which can result in the spinal cord or the brain not developing properly.

Get More Evidence than You Think

There are a variety of medical procedures that a pregnant woman can undergo to discover more about possible birth defects. Amniocentesis can be one of them, which is when a healthcare professional collects tiny amounts of fluid from the fetus for examination. This test can reveal chromosomal changes, as well as other health conditions such as infections (such as rubella or Zika) or genetic anomalies.

A doctor can also examine the blood of a fetus, amniotic fluid and even the umbilical cord for indications of birth defects. These tests are crucial to determining the root of birth defects. They also aid in determining how severe a birth defect could be and the consequences it could be having on a child's their adulthood.

However some birth defects can go undetected until a baby is born or, in rare cases, as an adult. This is because these conditions are not detectable until they become apparent, and often can only be detected using diagnostic equipment. In these instances, the medical expert witness must be knowledgeable with the technology and have the training necessary to be able identify these issues. A lawyer who has experience should be able to identify the appropriate expert for your case.

Hire a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

A child born with a severe defect or a serious birth injury can drastically alter the life of the family. These injuries can create life-long physical and emotional challenges, often requiring a lifetime of medical care.

Medical science can pinpoint the causes of about 30% of birth defects others remain a mystery. Research has proven that certain chemicals and substances can cause birth defects, like those that are found in prescription and over-the-counter medicines that mothers are prescribed or the toxic chemicals at working in some communities and homes, as well as contaminated air and groundwater.

Doctors are required to assess the dosage of medication taken by an expectant mother and inform her of any potential risks for the foetus. If they fail to perform this duty, they may be held responsible for birth defects caused by medications.

Doctors are also required to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of any procedure or equipment they recommend to pregnant women. This includes x-ray devices, surgical instruments and other equipment. If a doctor negligently uses the equipment, or fails to properly calibrate the equipment it could result in grave consequences for the baby. This would be considered medical malpractice. It is important to contact a medical negligence lawyer immediately if this happens. In some states, you're given 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.

Begin by completing the first Step

Birth defects are the main reason for infant deaths. They affect one in 33 babies each year. These conditions could be life-threatening and cause long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical problems. In some instances, researchers have identified the cause to be a mother's exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medications, toxins accumulated in the environment, maternal infections, complications associated with pregnancy and birth or a medical history of the family (like genetic diseases, sickle cell disease or PKU). However, in approximately 70% of birth defect cases, the causes are unknown.

Certain birth defects are readily detectable and can be identified at birth or within the first year. Certain birth defects, like heart defects or developmental and intellectual disabilities, require specific tests to detect.

Researchers are trying to figure out the causes of birth defects and how they can be prevented. Women who drink, smoke or take illegal drugs when pregnant are at greater risk of having a child with certain defects. Women with a history of family members that includes genetic disorders that are passed down through generations may wish to speak with a genetic counselor prior to trying to conceive. They can also use the March of Dimes Family Health History form to collect information regarding medical conditions that are prevalent through their families. This information should be shared with their doctor or genetic counselor.