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What Causes a Birth Defect?

It's not something that any expecting parents wants to hear: Their child may have a birth defect. These defects are caused by factors that occur during the fetal stage and could affect your child's physical or mental health.

A doctor can identify birth defects during pregnancy with prenatal tests or newborn screening. However, other birth defects may not be identified until after your child's birth or when they start to develop symptoms.

What caused your child's asymmetry?

Many birth defects are not known. There are several factors that can increase the risk of pregnant women having children with a birth defect. Some of these include taking drugs or certain medications prior to conception or having a family history of birth defects or having certain medical conditions like rheumatic disease. Women who have an ancestral background of these disorders are advised to speak with an expert on genetics prior to becoming pregnant.

The severity of a birth defect in a baby is dependent on the affected body part and how much is affected. Typically, the more severe the defect, the more severe the problem will be.

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

Structural defects are birth issues that affect how an element of your body appears or performs. They may be visible, like cleft lips or cleft palettes, or invisible, such as chromosome disorders or metabolic conditions. Genetic conditions that are passed down through the generations can be a type of birth defects with structural causes. Environmental causes, such as an absence of folic acid can cause neural tube defects, which result in the development of the spinal cord or brain not working as intended.

Find More Evidence than You Think

There are a number of medical procedures that a pregnant woman can undergo to determine potential birth defects. Amniocentesis, for instance, is where a doctor collects a small sample of fluid from the fetus for analysis. 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 fetus's tissues for signs of birth defect. These tests are essential in determining the cause of birth defects. They also help determine the severity of a birth defect and its impact on a child's future.

However some birth defects can be unnoticed until the baby is born or, in rare instances, when an adult. These conditions aren't easily detected until they are present and may only be recognized with the help of diagnostic equipment. In these kinds of cases, it's crucial that the medical expert witness in question is well-versed in these technologies and has the correct experience to recognize these defects. An experienced medical malpractice attorney can help you identify the appropriate specialist for your particular case.

Employ a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

A child born with a serious defect or severe birth injury can completely change the life of the family. These injuries can create life-long physical and emotional problems that often require ongoing medical treatment.

Medical science is able to explain approximately 30 percent of birth defects However, the majority of cases are still unsolved. Research has proven that certain chemicals and substances can cause birth defects, including those that are found in prescription or over-the counter medications a mother takes and the harmful chemicals that working in some communities and homes, or contaminated air and groundwater.

Doctors are required to review the pregnant mother's current medications and inform her about any risks to the fetus. If they fail to meet this duty, they may be held responsible for birth defects that are caused by medications.

Doctors are also required to evaluate the safety and efficacy of any equipment or procedure they recommend to pregnant women. This includes xray machines, surgical tools, and other equipment. If a doctor negligently uses the equipment or fails properly calibrate the equipment, it could have grave consequences for the baby. This would be considered malpractice. If this happens, it's important to consult a medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible. In some states you have only one year to file a case for medical malpractice, so it's best to begin the process as soon as you can.

Begin by completing the first Step

Birth defects affect one in 33 babies born each year and are the most common cause of infant death. These conditions can be life-threatening and can lead to long-term physical, cognitive and emotional issues. Researchers have in a few instances linked the causes of birth defect lawyer defects to the mother's exposures to prescription and over-the-counter drugs as well as environmental toxins, maternal infections, complications during pregnancy and birth, family medical history, or genetic illnesses (like sickle cell disease, PKU, or genetic diseases). In about 70% of cases, the reason is not known.

Certain birth defects are readily noticeable and can be detected either at birth or during the first year. Others, like heart defects or developmental and intellectual disabilities, aren't as easy to identify and require specialized tests.

Researchers are trying to discover what causes birth defects and how they can be avoided. Women who smoke, drink or use illegal drugs while pregnant are at a higher risk of having a child born with certain defects. Women who have a family history of genetic disorders that are passed down through generations may wish to consult with a genetic counselor prior to trying to get pregnant. They should also utilize the March of Dimes family health history form to collect data about medical conditions that run in their families and discuss it with their doctor or genetic counselor.