What Causes a Birth Defect?

The last thing a new parent would like to be told is that their child might be born with a deformity. These birth defects are caused things that happen during the development of the fetus and can affect your child's physical or mental health.

Prenatal testing and newborn screening can be utilized by a health professional to diagnose certain birth defects that can occur during pregnancy. Other birth defects could be discovered only after your child's birth or when symptoms start to show.

What caused your child's deficiency?

The root of many birth defects is not known. However, there are a few factors that can increase the likelihood of having a baby born with defects. One of them is taking certain medications or prescription drugs before getting pregnant, having an ancestral history of birth defects or having medical conditions, such as rheumatic diseases. Women with an history of these conditions should consult an expert on genetic counseling about their options prior 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.

The majority of birth defects are caused by genetics or the environment during fetal development. You can lower the risk of developing a birth defect by consulting with a genetic counsellor, learning about the health background of your family and talking with the geneticist.

Structural defects are birth issues that affect how an area of your body looks or performs. They can range from visible like cleft lip and cleft palate, but also the invisible, such as chromosome disorders or metabolic conditions. Inherited genetic conditions can result in structural birth defects. Environmental causes, such as a lack folic acid, can cause neural tube defects that lead to the development of the spinal or brain not functioning properly.

Get More Evidence than You Think You Can.

There are a number of medical procedures a pregnant woman can undergo to find out more about the possibility of a birth defect. Amniocentesis is one example, which is when a healthcare professional collects small amounts of fluid from the fetus for testing. This test could reveal chromosomal anomalies and other health conditions like infections (such as Zika or rubella) or genetic anomalies.

A doctor can examine the blood, amniotic liquid and the tissues of a fetus for signs of a birth defect. These tests are crucial in finding out the causes of birth defects. They also help determine the degree of a birth defect and its impact on the adult life of a child.

Some dubuque birth defect law firm defects might not be detected until after a baby's birth or, in rare cases even after becoming an adult. These issues are not readily apparent until they have been identified, and may only be detected using diagnostic equipment. In these instances, the medical expert witness must be knowledgeable with the technology and have the knowledge and experience required to identify the defects. An experienced medical malpractice lawyer is able to determine the appropriate specialist for your particular case.

Employ a Medical Malpractice Attorney

A child born with a serious defect or severe birth injury could completely alter the life of the family. These injuries can cause permanent physical and mental problems and require medical treatment for the rest of their lives.

While medical science can identify the causes of 30 percent of birth defects others remain unsolved. Studies have shown that certain chemicals and substances may cause birth defects, such as those that are found in prescription or over-the counter medication that mothers take or the toxic chemicals at work in some communities and homes, or contaminated air and groundwater.

Doctors are required to assess the dosage of medication taken by an expectant mother and inform her of any possible risks for the fetus. If they fail to perform this duty, Vacaville Birth Defect Law Firm they may be held accountable for birth defects caused by medication.

Doctors are also required to determine the safety of any procedure or equipment they recommend for pregnant women. This includes x-ray instruments, surgical instruments and other equipment. This could result in serious consequences for a baby's health if a doctor uses the equipment in a negligent manner or fails to calibrate it correctly. This would be considered to be malpractice. It is crucial to contact a medical negligence lawyer immediately if this happens. In some states, you only have a single year to file a medical malpractice claim, so the earlier you start the process, the more favorable.

Take the First Step

holland birth defect lawyer (vimeo.com) defects are the leading reason for infant deaths. They affect one in 33 babies every year. The condition could be life-threatening and lead to many long term cognitive, emotional, and physical problems. Scientists have, in some instances, linked the birth defects' causes to the mother's exposures to prescription and over-the-counter drugs as well as environmental toxins, maternal infections, foster city birth defect law firm complications during the birth and pregnancy and medical history of the family, or genetic illnesses (like sickle cell disease PKU, also known as genetic illnesses). In around 70% of cases, the cause is unknown.

Certain birth defects, such as hearing loss or clubfoot are easily identifiable and are easily diagnosed at birth or within the first year of a child's life. Some birth defects, such as heart defects, developmental and intellectual disabilities, require specific tests to detect.

Researchers are trying to determine the causes of birth defects and how they can be prevented. Women who smoke, drink or take illegal drugs while pregnant are at greater risk of having a child born with certain defects. Women with a family history involving inherited genetic disorders may want to speak with a genetic counselor before trying to be pregnant. They should also fill out the March of Dimes family health record form to gather information regarding medical conditions that run in their families and provide it to their doctor or a genetic counselor.