The Biggest "Myths" About Birth Defect Attorney Could Actually Be True

What Causes a Birth Defect?

It's the last thing any expectant parent wants to hear: their child may be born with a defect. These birth defects are caused by the things that happen during fetal development and can affect your child's mental or physical health.

A medical professional can identify birth defects during pregnancy by using newborn screening or prenatal tests. However, other birth defects may not be detected until after the birth of your child or when they start to develop symptoms.

What caused your child's deficiency?

The root of many birth defects remains unknown. However there are a few things that increase the risk of having a child with defects. These include taking prescription drugs or taking certain medications before pregnancy, having a relative with birth defects or certain medical conditions, for instance rheumatic heart disease. Women who have 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 affected body part and the extent to which it is affected. The more severe a birth defect, the more serious the issues.

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

Structural birth imperfections are those that alter the way a part of your body appears or performs. They may range from the visible like cleft lips and cleft palate, to the invisible, such as metabolic disorders or chromosome disorders. Genetically-inherited conditions can be a type of structural birth defects. Environmental factors, such as the absence of folic acid can cause neural tube defects that lead to the development of the spinal or brain not being correct.

Gather More Evidence Than You Think You Can.

There are a variety of medical procedures pregnant mothers is able to undergo in order to find out more about the possibility of birth defects. Amniocentesis, for instance, is which is when a healthcare professional collects an insignificant amount of fluid from the fetus to conduct examination. This test can reveal chromosomal abnormalities as well as other health conditions, such as infections (such as Zika or rubella) or genetic anomalies.

A doctor may also examine the blood of a fetus amniotic fluid, fetal blood and the umbilical cord for signs of birth defects. These tests are crucial in finding out the cause of birth defects. They can also determine the degree of a birth defect and its effect on a child's future.

However, some birth defects can remain unnoticed until a child is born or, in rare cases, an adult. These conditions are not detectable before they are present and are sometimes only detected with equipment for diagnosing. In these kinds of cases, it is crucial that the medical expert witness is familiar with these technologies and has the correct knowledge to recognize these defects. A lawyer who has experience should be able identify the appropriate expert for your case.

Hire a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

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

Medical science can pinpoint the underlying causes behind about 30 percent of birth defects, others remain a mystery. Research has shown that certain chemicals and birth defects substances may cause birth defects, for example those present in prescription or over the counter medications a mother takes and the harmful chemicals that play in certain communities and homes, or in contaminated groundwater and air.

Doctors are required to evaluate the dosage of medication taken by a pregnant mother and inform her of any possible dangers for the baby. If they fail in their duty, they may be held responsible for birth defects caused by medication.

Doctors must also evaluate the safety and effectiveness of any procedure or device they recommend to 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 error or does not calibrate it correctly. This is considered medical malpractice. It is important to speak with a medical malpractice lawyer immediately in the event of this happening. In some states, you're allowed only one year to file a complaint for medical malpractice therefore it's best to start the process as soon as you can.

Take the First Step

Birth defects affect one out of 33 babies born every year, and are a major cause of infant mortality. The condition can be life-threatening and cause a myriad of mental, emotional and physical difficulties. Scientists have, in some instances, linked the causes of birth defects to the mother's exposures to prescription and over-the-counter medications and environmental toxins, maternal infections, complications during delivery and pregnancy and medical history of the family, or genetic disorders (like sickle cell disease PKU, also known as genetic illnesses). However, in a majority of birth defects cases the causes are not clear.

Some birth defects, like clubfoot or hearing loss, are easy to see and can be identified at birth or in the first year of a child's existence. Other birth defects, such as heart defects or developmental and intellectual disabilities aren't as easily identifiable and require special tests.

Researchers are trying to discover what can cause birth defects and how some of they can be prevented. For example women who smoke or drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs during pregnancy increase the chances of having a child with certain birth defects. Women with a history of family members with inherited genetic disorders should consult a genetic counselor before trying to become 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 then share it with their doctor or genetic counselor.