Birth Defect Attorney: The Good The Bad And The Ugly

What Causes a Birth Defect?

The last thing that any expecting parent would like to be told is that their child may have a birth defect. These issues can be caused by events that occur during the fetal development and can affect the physical or mental health of your child.

Prenatal testing and newborn screening can be used by a health care provider to diagnose certain birth defects during pregnancy. However other birth defects could not be diagnosed until after your child is born or later, when they begin to show symptoms.

What is the reason for your child's defect?

Many birth defects remain undiscovered. However there are several things that increase the chance of having a baby with defects. One of them is using certain medications or taking certain drugs prior to becoming pregnant or having a family history of birth defects, or having certain medical conditions like rheumatic disease. Women who have a family history of these diseases are advised to speak with an expert on genetics prior to becoming pregnant.

If a birth defect in a baby can cause serious health issues or not is contingent upon the body part that is affected and how much of the body part is affected. The more severe the birth defect, the more severe the issues.

Most birth defects are caused by genetics or the environment during fetal development. The chance of developing a birth defect can be reduced by gaining knowledge about your family's history with health issues and genes, talking to an expert in genetic counseling and following prenatal care guidelines.

Structural defects are birth issues that affect how a part of your body appears or functions. They can range from visible like cleft lips and cleft palate, but also the invisibly, such as metabolic disorders or chromosome disorder. Genetic disorders that are inherited can result in birth defects with structural causes. Environmental factors, for instance, the absence of folic acid can cause neural tube defects, which result in the development of the spinal cord and brain not working as intended.

Get More Evidence than You Think

There are a variety of medical procedures that a pregnant woman is able to undergo in order to find out more about the possibility of a birth defect. Amniocentesis is a prime example, where a doctor collects tiny amounts of fluid from the fetus to conduct examination. This procedure can reveal chromosomal abnormalities and other health conditions, such as infections (such as Zika or rubella) or genetic anomalies.

A doctor can test the amniotic fluid, blood and the tissues of a fetus for signs of a birth defect. These tests are essential in determining the cause of birth defects. They can also determine the severity of a birth defect and the impact it has on a child's life.

However certain birth defects may go undetected until a baby is born or, in rare cases, an adult. These conditions aren't readily apparent prior to their onset and can be detected by using diagnostic equipment. In these cases, the medical expert witness should be acquainted with the techniques and the knowledge and experience required to be able to spot the defects. A lawyer who has years of experience will be able to determine the appropriate expert for your case.

Find a Medical Malpractice Attorney

When a child is born with a serious birth defect or suffers a devastating birth injury, it can completely turn a family's lives upside down. These injuries can lead to lifelong physical and emotional challenges and often require ongoing medical treatment.

Medical science can pinpoint the root causes of around 30 percent of leander birth defect lawsuit defects others remain unsolved. Studies have shown that certain chemicals and substances can cause sweet home birth defect lawsuit defects, including those present in prescription or over the counter medications that mothers use and the harmful chemicals that play in certain communities and homes, or in contaminated groundwater and air.

Doctors are required by law to analyze the medication used by the mother-to-be and inform her of any possible dangers to the embryo. If they fail to perform this obligation, they can be held responsible for birth defects caused by medication.

Doctors also have a responsibility to evaluate the safety of any procedure or equipment they recommend for pregnant women. This includes x-ray machines, surgical instruments, and other equipment. It could be a serious risk for a baby's health when a doctor uses the equipment in error or does not calibrate it properly. This would be considered medical malpractice. It is important to contact a medical negligence lawyer immediately should this happen. In certain states, you only have a single year to file a medical negligence case, so the earlier you start the process, leander birth defect lawsuit the more favorable.

Take the First Step

Birth defects are the most common cause of infant death. They affect one in 33 babies every year. The conditions can be life-threatening and cause a myriad of cognitive, emotional, and physical difficulties. In a few instances, scientists have identified the causes as a mother's exposure to prescription and over-the-counter medicines, toxins that are found in the environment, maternal infections, complications associated with pregnancy and birth or family medical history (like genetic illnesses, sickle cell disease or PKU). In about 70% of cases, the reason is unknown.

Some birth defects, like hearing loss or a clubfoot are easily identifiable and can be identified from birth or within the first year of a child's life. Some birth defects, like heart defects or intellectual and developmental disabilities require tests specific to detect.

Researchers are trying to discover the root of birth defects, and how they can be prevented. For instance, women who smoke and drink alcohol or consume illegal drugs during pregnancy increase their likelihood of having a child with certain defects. Women with a history of family members that includes genetic disorders that are passed down through generations may wish to consult a genetic counselor prior to trying to have a baby. They could also use the March of Dimes Family Health History form to gather information about medical conditions that can be traced through their families. This information should be shared with their doctor or genetic counselor.