What Causes a Birth Defect?

It's the last thing that an expecting parent would like to hear: their child may be born with a defect. These issues could be the result of circumstances that occur during fetal growth and can affect the mental or physical health of your child.

A doctor can diagnose some birth defects during pregnancy using newborn screening or prenatal tests. Other birth defects could only be identified after the Hartford Birth Defect Attorney of your child or if symptoms appear.

What was the cause of your child's error?

Many birth defects are not known. However, there are a few things that can increase a woman's risk of having a child with defects. These include taking prescription drugs or taking certain medications prior to pregnancy, having a relative with birth defects or certain medical conditions, like rheumatic heart disease. Women with an ancestral history of these conditions are advised to speak with a genetic counsellor before becoming pregnant.

Whether a child's birth defect can cause serious health issues or not is contingent upon the body part that is affected and how much of the body part is affected. Usually, the more severe the defect is and the more serious the problems will be.

Most birth defects are caused through genetics or environmental factors during fetal growth. The risk of having birth defects can be reduced by learning about your family's history with health and genetic issues, talking to a genetic counselor and following the guidelines for prenatal care.

Structural birth defects alter the way a part of your body appears or works. They vary from the obvious, such as cleft lip and cleft palate, to the invisibly, such as chromosome disorders or metabolic conditions. Genetic disorders that are inherited can be a type of structural birth defects. Environmental factors, such as the lack of folic acids, can cause neural tube defects, which result in the development of the spinal cord or brain not functioning as it should.

Find More Evidence Than You Think

There are many medical procedures that pregnant mothers can undergo in order to determine the cause of a possible birth defect. Amniocentesis, for instance, is where a healthcare provider takes tiny amounts of fluid from the fetus to conduct analysis. This procedure could reveal chromosomal anomalies as well as other health issues like infections (such as Zika or rubella) or genetic anomalies.

A doctor may also examine the fetus's blood or amniotic fluid as well as the umbilical cord for signs of birth defects. These tests are essential in determining the cause of birth defects. They can also assist in determining the severity of a birth defect will be and the effects it could be having on a child's their adult life.

However certain north kansas city birth defect law firm defects may go undetected until a baby is born, or in rare cases, as an adult. This is because these conditions are not detectable until they are present, and often can only be diagnosed using diagnostic equipment. In these instances, the medical expert witness must be knowledgeable with the technology and have the training necessary to be able to spot the defects. An experienced medical malpractice attorney can help you identify the right expert for your case.

Employ an attorney for Medical Malpractice

A child born with a serious defect or a serious birth injury can alter the life of a family. These injuries can lead to lifelong physical and emotional issues which often require a lifetime of medical care.

Medical science could explain up to 30% of birth defect cases However, the majority of cases are still unknown. Research has shown that certain chemicals and substances may cause birth defects, such as 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, or in contaminated groundwater and air.

Doctors have a duty to review the pregnant mother's current medications and inform her of any potential risks for the baby. If they fail in their duty, they may be held responsible for birth defects that are caused by medications.

Doctors also have a duty to assess the safety of any procedure or device they recommend for pregnant women. This includes x-ray machines surgical instruments, and other equipment. If a doctor is negligent in using the equipment, or fails to properly calibrate the equipment it could lead to serious consequences for the baby. This is considered medical malpractice. If this occurs, it's important to contact a medical negligence attorney as soon as possible. In some states, you're given only one year to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice, so it's best to start the process as soon as you can.

Start with the First Step

Birth defects affect 1 in 33 babies born every year, and are the most common cause of infant death. The conditions can be life-threatening and can cause long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical difficulties. In some cases, scientists have identified the cause to be a mother's exposure to prescription and over-the-counter medications, toxins accumulated in the environment and maternal infections, the complications of pregnancy and birth, or medical history of the family (like genetic diseases like sickle cell diseases or PKU). In about 70% of cases, the cause is unknown.

Certain birth defects are readily noticeable and can be detected either at birth or during the first year of life. Certain birth defects, such as heart defects or intellectual and development disabilities, require specific tests to determine the cause.

Researchers are trying to discover the causes of itasca birth defect law firm defects and how they can be prevented. Women who smoke, drink or use illegal drugs while pregnant increase their risk for Bremen birth Defect Attorney having a child with certain defects. Women who have a family history of genetic disorders that are passed down through generations may wish to consult with a genetic counselor before trying to conceive. They can also use the March of Dimes Family Health History form to gather information about medical conditions that can be traced through their families. This information should be shared with their doctor or genetic counselor.