What Causes a Birth Defect?

The last thing that any expecting parent wants to be told is that their child may have a birth defect. These birth defects are caused things that happen in the fetal period and can affect your child's physical or mental health.

Prenatal testing and newborn screening can be utilized by a doctor to diagnose certain birth defects that can occur during pregnancy. Other birth defects can only be identified after the birth of your child or if symptoms appear.

What is the reason for your child's defect?

The root of many birth defects is not known. There are a few factors that can increase the risk of the mother having a child with a birth defect. These include taking prescription drugs or taking certain medications prior to pregnancy, a history of having a relative with birth defects or certain medical conditions like rheumatic heart disease. Women with an ancestry of these disorders should speak with an expert in genetic counseling about their options prior to becoming pregnant.

The degree to which a birth defect causes serious problems or not is dependent on the body part that is affected and how much of the body part is affected. The more severe the defect is then the more severe the issues will be.

Most buena park birth defect lawsuit defects are caused either by genes or the environment during fetal development. You can lower the risk of a birth deformity by speaking with a genetic counselor and learning about the health history of your family, and talking with geneticists.

Structural payson birth defect lawyer problems are those that alter the way a part of your body appears or functions. They can range from visible like cleft lip and cleft palate, up to the invisibly, such as chromosome disorders or metabolic conditions. Inherited genetic conditions can be a type of birth defects that cause structural changes. Environmental causes, such as the absence of folic acid can cause neural tube defects that cause the development of the spinal or brain not functioning properly.

Gather More Evidence than You Think You Can.

There are a number of medical procedures pregnant women undergo to learn more about the possibility of a cypress birth defect attorney defect. Amniocentesis is one example, where a healthcare provider takes a small sample of fluid from the fetus to conduct testing. This test could reveal chromosomal anomalies and other health conditions like infections (such as Zika or rubella) or genetic anomalies.

A doctor can test the amniotic liquid, blood and fetus's tissues for signs of a birth defect. These tests are essential in determining the root of birth defects. They can also help determine how serious a birth defect could be and the effect it may affect a child later in his or her adult life.

Some birth defects may not be discovered until after the birth of a child or, in some rare cases, even as an adult. This is because the conditions are not detectable until they have been identified, and can sometimes only be recognized with the help of diagnostic equipment. For these types of cases, it's crucial that the medical expert witness is familiar with these techniques and has the appropriate experience to detect these flaws. A seasoned medical malpractice lawyer is able to determine the most appropriate expert for your particular case.

Employ a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

A child born with a serious defect or severe birth injury could completely alter the life of families. These injuries can lead to permanent physical and mental problems and require medical treatment for the rest of his life.

Medical science could explain up to 30% of birth defect cases However, the majority of cases remain unknown. Research has found that certain chemicals and substances, like those in prescription or over the counter medicines taken by mothers and toxic chemicals found in the community and in homes as well as contaminated groundwater and air can cause birth defects.

Doctors are required to evaluate the medication taken by an expectant mother and inform her of any possible risks to the embryo. If they fail to fulfill this obligation, they could be held liable for birth defects that are caused by medications.

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 instruments, and other equipment. If a doctor makes a mistake using the equipment or fails to properly calibrate the equipment, it could cause grave consequences for the baby. This is considered medical malpractice. It is essential to contact a medical malpractice lawyer immediately in the event of this happening. In certain states, you are only allowed a single year to file a medical malpractice claim, so the earlier you begin the process, the better.

Start with the First Step

Birth defects are the main reason for infant deaths. They affect one in 33 babies every year. These conditions can be life-threatening, and they can cause long-term physical, mental and emotional problems. In a few instances, scientists have identified the causes as a mother's exposure to prescription or over-the counter drugs, toxins in the environment as well as maternal infections, complications associated with pregnancy and birth, or family medical history (like genetic illnesses, sickle cell disease or PKU). However, in a majority of birth defect cases the cause is unknown.

Certain birth defects are easily detectable and can be identified at birth or within the first year of life. Certain birth defects, such as heart defects, intellectual and development disabilities, require tests specific to detect.

Researchers are trying to determine the cause of birth defects and how they can be prevented. For instance women who smoke or drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs during pregnancy increase their likelihood of having a child with a defect. Women with a family history of inheritance genetic disorders should consult a genetic counselor prior to trying to become pregnant. They should also fill out the March of Dimes family health history form to collect information about medical conditions that can be found in their families and provide it to their doctor or genetic counselor.