What Causes a Birth Defect?
It’s not something that any expectant parent wants to hear: their child may have a birth defect. These defects could be the result of the the fetal development and can affect the physical or mental health of your child.
Testing for prenatal and newborns can be utilized by a doctor to diagnose certain birth defects that can occur during pregnancy. Other birth defects may only be identified after the birth of your child, or after symptoms start to show.
What Caused Your Child’s Defect?
The root of numerous birth defects remains unclear. There are certain factors that could increase the likelihood of pregnant women having children with birth defect. These include taking prescription drugs or taking certain medications prior to pregnancy, a history of having a relative with a birth defect lawyer defect or having certain medical conditions, such as rheumatic heart disease. Women with an ancestral history of these diseases are advised to speak with a genetic counsellor before getting pregnant.
If a birth defect in a baby can cause serious health issues or not will depend on the body part that is affected and how much of the body part affected. Typically, the more severe the defect, the more severe the problems will be.
Most birth defects are caused either by genetics or the environment during fetal growth. The risk of having Birth defect law firms defects is reduced by knowing about your family’s history with genes and health issues, talking to a genetic counselor, and following the guidelines for prenatal care.
Structural birth imperfections are those that alter how a particular part of the body appears or works. They can range from the visible such as cleft lips and cleft palate, to the invisible, like metabolic disorders or chromosome problems. Genetic conditions that are passed down through the generations could be a form of birth defects with structural causes. Environmental factors, such as an absence of folic acid can cause neural tube defects that lead to the development of the spinal cord or brain not functioning as it should.
Gather More Evidence Than You Think You Can.
There are many medical procedures pregnant mothers can undergo to determine the cause of the possibility of birth defects. Amniocentesis can be one of them, birth Defect law firms where a doctor collects an insignificant amount of fluid from the fetus to conduct testing. This procedure may reveal chromosomal mutations and other health conditions, such as infections (such as rubella or Zika) or genetic anomalies.
A doctor can test the amniotic liquid, blood and tissues of a fetus for signs of birth defect. These tests are essential in determining the cause of birth defects. They can also help determine how serious a birth defect could be and the effects it could have on a child’s his or her adult life.
However certain birth defects could go undetected until a baby is born or, in rare cases, an adult. This is due to the fact that these issues are not readily apparent until they become apparent, and may only be identified with the use of diagnostic equipment. In these cases, the medical expert witness must be conversant with the technology and have the knowledge and experience required to be able identify these flaws. A lawyer who has experience should be able identify the appropriate expert for your case.
Find a Medical Malpractice Attorney
When a child is born with a severe birth defect or suffers from a severe birth injury, it could completely turn a family’s life upside down. These injuries can lead to long-term physical and mental issues needing medical attention for the rest of their lives.
Medical science is able to explain approximately 30 percent of birth defect cases however, many other cases are still unknown. Research has found that certain chemicals and substances such as those found in prescription or over the counter medication taken by mothers and toxic chemicals found in homes and communities, or contaminated groundwater and air, can cause birth defects.
Doctors are required to assess the medication used by the expecting mother and inform her of any possible dangers for the embryo. If they fail in this obligation, they could be held responsible for birth defects caused by medications.
Doctors also have the responsibility to assess the safety of any procedure or equipment they recommend for pregnant women. This includes x-ray equipment, surgical instruments, and other equipment. It could be a serious risk for a baby when a doctor uses the equipment negligently or does not calibrate it properly. This is a case of malpractice. It is crucial to get in touch with a medical malfeasance lawyer immediately in the event of this happening. In some states, you only have one year to file a medical malpractice case, so the faster you begin the process, the more favorable.
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Birth defects are the most common cause of infant deaths. They affect one in 33 babies every year. These issues can be life-threatening and they can cause lasting physical, cognitive and emotional problems. Scientists have in a few cases identified the causes of birth defects to the mother’s exposures to prescription and over-the-counter medications as well as environmental toxins, complications of motherhood, infections, pregnancy and delivery, family medical history, or genetic illnesses (like sickle cell disease, PKU, or genetic illnesses). However, in the majority of all birth defects, the causes are unknown.
Certain birth defects are easily visible and can be detected at birth or within the first year. Some birth defects, such as heart defects, developmental and intellectual disabilities, require tests specific to identify.
Researchers are trying to discover the root of birth defects, and how they can be avoided. For example, women who smoke or drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs during pregnancy increase their likelihood of having a child with a defect. Women who have a family history of genetic disorders that are inherited may want to consult a genetic counselor prior to trying to be pregnant. They should also utilize the March of Dimes Family Health History form to collect information about medical conditions that can be traced through their families. This information should be shared with their doctor or genetic counselor.