What Causes a Birth Defect?

It's the last thing that an expectant parent wants to hear: their child could be born with a birth defect. These birth defects are caused by things that happen during the fetal development and can affect the physical or mental health of your child.

Screening for newborns and prenatal tests can be used by a doctor to detect certain birth defects during pregnancy. However, other birth defects may not be discovered until after the birth of your child or later, when they begin to show symptoms.

What caused your child's deficiency?

Many birth defects remain undiscovered. However there are several factors that increase the likelihood of having a baby born with defects. Some of these include using certain medications or taking certain drugs before becoming pregnant, having an ancestral history of birth defects or having medical conditions such as rheumatic illness. Women with a history of these disorders should talk to an expert in genetic counseling about their options prior to getting pregnant.

The severity of a birth defect in a child varies on the affected body part and the extent to which it is affected. The more severe the birth defect, the more serious the problems.

Most birth defects are caused through genetics or environmental factors during fetal development. The chance of developing a birth defect can be reduced by gaining knowledge about your family's history of health and genetic issues, talking to a genetic counselor, and following prenatal guidelines.

Structural birth imperfections are those that alter how a part of the body appears or performs. They vary from the obvious like cleft lips and cleft palate, but also the invisible, such as chromosome disorders or metabolic conditions. Inherited genetic conditions are one type of structural birth defect while environmental factors like a lack of folic acid can lead to neural tube defects, which can result in the spinal cord or brain not developing properly.

Find More Evidence Than You Think

There are a number of medical procedures that pregnant women undergo to determine possible birth defects. One of these is amniocentesis which involves a medical professional taking a small amount of fetal fluid for analysis. This procedure can reveal chromosomal defects, as well other health conditions such as infections (such as Zika or rubella) or genetic anomalies.

A doctor can test the blood, amniotic liquid and the tissues of a fetus for indications of a birth defect. These tests are essential to diagnosing the root of a birth defect. They can also assist in determining how severe a birth defect will be and the impact it will have on a child's the years to come.

Some birth defects may not be discovered until after the birth of a baby or, in rare cases even after becoming an adult. These issues aren't easily detected before they are present and are often only discovered through equipment for diagnosing. In these cases, the medical expert witness should be acquainted with the latest technologies and possess the knowledge and experience required to identify these flaws. A seasoned medical malpractice lawyer will be able to identify the most appropriate expert for your case.

Employ a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

A child born with a severe defect or a severe birth injury can alter the life of a family. These injuries can lead to lasting physical and mental health challenges needing medical attention for the rest of his life.

Medical science can explain about 30% of birth defect lawsuits defect cases, but many others remain unknown. Research has proven that certain chemicals and substances may cause birth defects, for example those that are found in prescription or over-the counter medicines that mothers are prescribed and the harmful chemicals that work in some communities and homes, or contaminated air and groundwater.

Doctors are required to evaluate the mother's current medications and advise her of any dangers for the fetus. If they fail to fulfill this obligation, they could be held responsible for birth defects caused by medications.

Doctors must also evaluate the safety and efficacy of any procedure or equipment they recommend to pregnant women. This includes x ray machines, surgical instruments, and other equipment. If a physician is negligent when using the equipment or fails to correctly calibrate the equipment, it could have grave consequences for the baby. This would be considered medical malpractice. When this happens it's crucial to consult a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can. In certain states, you have only one year to file a medical negligence case, so the earlier you start the process, the better.

Start with the First Step

Birth defects affect one out of 33 babies born each year, and are a leading cause of infant death. The condition could be life-threatening and cause a myriad of cognitive, emotional, and physical problems. In a few instances, scientists have connected the causes to mother's exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medications, toxins accumulated in the environment, maternal infections, complications of pregnancy and delivery or medical history of the family (like genetic illnesses such as sickle cell disease, PKU). But in about 70% of all birth defects, the causes are unknown.

Certain birth defects are readily evident and can be found at birth or within the first year of life. Others, audiwiki.bitt-c.at such as heart problems or developmental and intellectual disabilities, are not as easily identifiable and require tests of a different kind.

Researchers are working to understand what can cause birth defects and how them can be prevented. For instance smoking or drink alcohol or take illegal drugs during pregnancy increase their likelihood of having a child with certain birth defects. Women with a family history that involves genetic disorders inherited from their parents may want to consult with a genetic counselor before trying to conceive. They should also utilize the March of Dimes Family Health History form to gather information regarding medical conditions that are prevalent through their families. This information should be shared with their doctor or genetic counselor.