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What Causes a Birth Defect?

The last thing a expecting parent wants to hear is that their child could have a birth defect. These birth defects are caused by the things that happen during the fetal stage and could affect your child's physical or mental health.

Prenatal testing and newborn screening can be used by a health professional to determine the presence of certain birth defects that can occur during pregnancy. Other birth defects may only be detected after the birth of your child, or after symptoms start to show.

What is the cause of your child's deformity?

Many birth defects are not known. There are several factors that can increase the risk of pregnant women having children with a birth defect. One of them is taking certain medications or drugs prior Birth Defect to becoming pregnant, having an ancestral history of birth defects, or having medical conditions like rheumatic disease. Women with an established history of these diseases should talk to an expert on genetic counseling about their options prior getting pregnant.

The degree of birth defect in a child is contingent on the body part that is affected and how much is affected. Usually, the more severe the defect is it, the more serious the issues will be.

Most birth defects are caused by genes or the environment during the fetal growth. You can lessen the risk of a birth defect consulting with a genetic counsellor as well as learning about the health history of your family and having a conversation with an expert in genetics.

Structural birth defects are those that change how a part of the body appears or functions. They can be obvious, like cleft lips and Cleft palettes, but also invisible, like chromosome issues or metabolic disorders. Genetic conditions that are passed down through the generations are one kind of birth defect that is structural, and environmental factors like an absence of folic acids can lead to neural tube defects, which can result in the spinal cord or the brain not developing correctly.

Find More Evidence Than You Think

There are a variety of medical procedures a pregnant woman can undergo to determine a potential birth defect. Amniocentesis is one example, where a healthcare provider takes tiny amounts of fluid from the fetus to conduct testing. This procedure may reveal chromosomal mutations and other health conditions like infections (such as rubella or Zika) or genetic disorders.

A doctor may also examine the fetus's blood as well as amniotic fluid and the tissues of its umbilical cord for indications of birth defects. These tests are essential in determining the root of birth defects. They can also help determine how severe a birth defect could be and birth defect the effect it may affect a child later in their adult life.

Certain birth defects might not be discovered until after the birth of a baby or, in some rare cases even after becoming an adult. This is due to the fact that these conditions are not detectable until they become apparent, and can sometimes only be detected using diagnostic equipment. In these cases, it's crucial that the medical expert witness is knowledgeable about these technologies and has the correct training to be able to recognize these defects. A medical malpractice lawyer with experience should be able identify the most appropriate specialist for your case.

Employ a Medical Malpractice Attorney

When a child is born with a serious birth defect lawyers defect or suffers a serious birth injury, it can completely turn a family's world upside down. These injuries can create life-long physical and emotional issues and often require ongoing medical treatment.

Medical science can explain about 30 percent of birth defects however, many other cases remain a mystery. Research has shown certain chemicals and substances such as those in prescription or over the counter medicines taken by mothers or in toxic chemicals found in the homes and communities, or contaminated groundwater and air, can cause birth defects.

Doctors have a duty to assess an expectant mother's current medication and inform her about any risks to the embryo. If they fail in their duty, they may be held accountable for birth defects caused by medication.

Doctors also have a responsibility to examine the safety of any procedure or device they recommend to pregnant women. This includes x-ray machines, surgical instruments, and other equipment. If a doctor negligently uses this equipment or fails to properly calibrate the equipment it could cause grave consequences for the baby. This would be considered malpractice. If this occurs it is important to seek out a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can. In certain states, you have only one year to file a claim for medical malpractice therefore it's best to start the process as soon as you can.

Step 1. Step

Birth defects affect one out of 33 newborns every year, and are a leading cause of infant death. These conditions can be life-threatening and they can cause lasting physical, cognitive and emotional issues. Scientists have, in some instances, linked the birth defects' causes in mothers' exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medicines or environmental toxins, as well as maternal infections, complications during delivery and pregnancy, family medical history, or genetic disorders (like sickle cell disease PKU, or other genetic diseases). In about 70% of cases, the cause is unknown.

Certain birth defects, including hearing loss or a clubfoot are easy to see and can be detected from birth or within the first year of a child's existence. Other conditions, such as heart defects or developmental and intellectual disabilities, are not as easy to identify and require special tests.

Researchers are trying determine the cause of birth defects and how they can be prevented. For example women who smoke and drink alcohol or consume illegal drugs during pregnancy increase the chance of having a baby with certain defects. Women who have a family history of inherited genetic disorders may want to speak with a genetic counselor prior to trying to get pregnant. They should also utilize the March of Dimes family health record form to gather information about medical conditions that are prevalent in their families and share it with their doctor or a genetic counselor.