What Causes a Birth Defect?

It's not something that any expecting parents wants to hear: Their child may have a birth defect. These problems may be caused by a variety of things that happen during the fetal development and can affect the mental or physical health of your child.

Testing for prenatal and newborns can be utilized by a health care provider to diagnose certain birth defects that can occur during pregnancy. Other birth defects could only be detected following your child's birth or when symptoms start to show.

What caused your child's asymmetry?

Many birth defects remain unknown. However there are several things that can increase the risk of having a baby with defects. These include using prescription drugs or taking certain medications prior to pregnancy, having a relative with a birth defect or having certain medical conditions, for instance rheumatic heart disease. Women who have an ancestral background of these disorders are advised to consult an expert on genetics prior to getting pregnant.

The severity of a birth defect in a child is contingent on the body part that is affected and how severe the damage. Typically, the more severe the defect and the more serious the problem will be.

The majority of birth defects are caused by genes or the environment during fetal development. The risk of having a birth defect can be decreased by educating yourself about your family's history of health issues and genes and speaking with an expert on genetics and following prenatal care guidelines.

Structural birth problems are those that alter how a part of the body appears or works. They may be visible, such as cleft lips and cleft palettes. They can also be invisible, as with chromosome conditions or metabolic conditions. Inherited genetic conditions are one kind of structural birth defect, while environmental factors such as a lack of folic acid can cause neural tube defects that cause the brain or spinal cord not developing properly.

Find More Evidence Than You Think

There are a variety of medical procedures that pregnant women can undergo to discover more about the possibility of a birth defect. One of these is amniocentesis which involves a medical professional taking a small amount of the fetal fluid to be tested. This procedure can reveal chromosomal modifications in addition to other health conditions such as infections (such as rubella or Zika) or genetic disorders.

A doctor can examine the blood, amniotic liquid and fetus's tissues for signs of a birth defect. These tests are essential in determining the causes of birth defects. They also aid in determining how severe a birth defect will be and the effect it may have on a child in the years to come.

However, some birth defects can be unnoticed until the baby is born, or in rare cases, as an adult. These conditions aren't readily apparent when they first appear and are usually only detected with equipment for diagnosing. In these kinds of situations, it is essential that the medical expert witness in question is knowledgeable about these technologies and has the appropriate knowledge to spot these issues. A medical malpractice lawyer with experience should be able to identify the best expert for your case.

Employ a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

A child born with a serious defect or severe birth injury can drastically alter the life of a family. These injuries can cause lasting physical and mental health challenges needing medical attention for a lifetime.

Medical science is able to explain approximately 30 percent of birth defect cases but the rest remain a mystery. Research has shown that certain chemicals and substances can cause birth defects, like those found in prescription or over-the-counter medications a mother takes or the toxic chemicals at work in some communities and homes, as well as contaminated groundwater and air.

Doctors are required to assess the medications taken by a pregnant mother and inform her of any potential risks to the baby. If they fail in their obligation, they could be held accountable for birth defects that are caused by medications.

Doctors also have a responsibility to evaluate the safety of any procedure or equipment they recommend for pregnant women. This includes x-ray devices, surgical instruments and other equipment. If a doctor negligently uses this equipment or fails to properly calibrate the equipment it could lead to serious consequences for the baby. This is a case of malpractice. It is essential to speak with a medical malpractice lawyer immediately when this happens. In some states you have only one year to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice which is why it's important to start the process as soon as possible.

Step 1. Step

Birth defects affect one out of 33 babies born every year and are a major reason for infant death. The condition could be life-threatening and cause a myriad of physical, emotional and cognitive issues. Researchers have in a few instances identified the birth defects' causes in mothers' exposure to prescription and over-the-counter drugs and environmental toxins, maternal infections, complications during the birth and pregnancy and medical history of the family, or genetic illnesses (like sickle cell disease, PKU, or genetic illnesses). In about 70% of cases, the cause is unknown.

Some Birth Defect Attorney defects, like hearing loss or clubfoot, are easy to see and are easily diagnosed either at birth or during the first year of a child's existence. Others, like heart defects or developmental and intellectual disabilities are not as obvious and require tests that are specific to the condition.

Researchers are trying to figure out the causes of birth defect lawsuit defects and how some of they can be prevented. For example smoking or drink alcohol or take illegal drugs during pregnancy increase the risk of having a baby with certain birth defects. Women with a history of family members that includes inherited genetic disorders may want to consult with a genetic counselor before trying to be pregnant. They may also use the March of Dimes Family Health History form to collect data about medical conditions that can be traced through their families. This information should be shared with their doctor or genetic counselor.