What Causes a Birth Defect?

It's not something that any expecting parents wants to hear: Their child may be born with a defect. These birth defects are caused factors that occur during the development of the fetus and can affect your child's physical or mental health.

A doctor can diagnose some birth defects during pregnancy with prenatal tests or newborn screening. Other birth defects can only be detected following the birth of your child or when symptoms begin to appear.

What is the cause of your child's deformity?

The cause of the majority of birth defects is still unknown. However there are a few factors that can increase the chance of having a baby born with a defect. Some of these include taking drugs or certain medications prior to becoming pregnant, having a family history of birth defects, or having certain medical conditions like rheumatic disease. Women who have an history of these conditions should consult an expert on genetic counseling about their options prior to getting pregnant.

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

The majority of birth defects are caused either through genetics or environmental factors during fetal growth. You can reduce the chance of having a birth defect by consulting a genetic counselor, learning about the health background of your family, Vimeo.com and having a conversation with the geneticist.

Structural birth defects alter how a part of the body appears or functions. They vary from the obvious like cleft lip and cleft palate, to the invisible, such as chromosome disorders or metabolic conditions. Genetically-inherited conditions can result in birth defects with structural causes. Environmental factors, like a lack folic acid, can cause neural tube defects that lead to the development of the spinal cord and brain not functioning properly.

Find More Evidence than You Think You Can.

There are a variety of medical procedures that a pregnant woman may undergo to learn more about the possibility of birth defects. Amniocentesis can be one of them, in which a healthcare professional takes tiny amounts of fluid from the fetus for examination. This test can reveal chromosomal defects, as well other health issues like infections (such as Zika or rubella) or genetic anomalies.

A doctor may also test the blood of a fetus as well as amniotic fluid and the umbilical cord for signs of birth defects. These tests are crucial in determining the causes of birth defects. They also help determine the severity of birth defect and gurye.multiiq.com its effects on a child's adult life.

Some birth defects might not be recognized until after the birth of a baby or, in rare cases even as an adult. These conditions are not detectable prior en.easypanme.com to their onset and are sometimes only detected by using equipment for diagnosing. In these instances the medical expert witness must be familiar with the techniques and the necessary training to recognize the defects. An experienced medical malpractice attorney will be able to identify the most appropriate expert for your case.

Employ a Medical Malpractice Attorney

A child born with a serious defect or a severe birth injury can alter the life of the family. These injuries can lead to lifelong physical and emotional problems and often require the need for a lifetime of medical treatment.

Medical science can pinpoint the causes of 30 percent of birth defects, others remain unexplained. Research has shown certain chemicals and substances, like those in prescription or over-the-counter medication taken by mothers or in toxic chemicals found in communities and homes, or contaminated groundwater and air can cause birth defects.

Doctors are required to evaluate the mother's current medications, and advise her of any potential risks for the foetus. When they fail in this obligation, they can be held liable for birth defects that are caused by medications.

Doctors are also required to assess the safety of any procedure or device they recommend for pregnant women. This includes xray machines, surgical tools, and any other equipment. If a physician is negligent when using the equipment or fails to properly calibrate the equipment, it could result in grave consequences for the baby. This is considered medical malpractice. If this occurs you should seek out a medical malpractice attorney as quickly as you can. In certain states, you have only one year to file a claim for medical malpractice, so it's best to start the process as soon as you can.

Start with the First Step

Birth defects affect one out of 33 newborns each year, and are a major cause of infant mortality. These issues are life-threatening, and can trigger long-term physical, mental and emotional challenges. In some cases, scientists have connected the causes to mother's exposure to prescription and over-the-counter medications, toxins accumulated in the environment and maternal infections, the complications associated with pregnancy and birth or a family medical history (like genetic diseases like sickle cell diseases or PKU). But in about 70% of all el reno birth defect law firm defects, the causes are unknown.

Certain birth defects are easily detectable and can be identified at birth or in the first year of life. Some birth defects, like heart defects or developmental and intellectual disabilities, require tests specific to be identified.

Researchers are attempting to determine what can cause birth defects and how some of them may be prevented. For example smoking and drink alcohol or consume illegal drugs during pregnancy increase their risk of having a baby with a defect. Women with a family history involving inherited genetic disorders may want to speak with a genetic counselor prior to trying to conceive. They can also use the March of Dimes Family Health History form to gather information about medical conditions that run through their families. This information should be shared with their doctor or genetic counselor.