Every four and an hour, one baby in the United States is born with an anomaly in the birth process. These defects could have a lasting impact on the lives of those affected.
Variations in the way cases are identified and classified could lead to either under or over-ascertaining certain subtypes of birth defects. A well-designed surveillance system employs active case ascertainment (including medical record abstract and clinical review) in addition to passive reporting.
Causes
When the baby is born with a defect or injury it could have serious health consequences for the child's health for the rest of their lives. Birth defects could be caused by medical negligence or a mistake of doctors during pregnancy.
In certain cases birth defects can be avoided through taking care of your baby and eating well. In some cases birth defects can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to toxic chemicals or toxic substances. Birth defects can also be caused by complications that arise during pregnancy, such as constriction of the uterus rupture of the amniotic sac, or the inability to supply oxygen to the fetus (also called anoxic brain injury).
Certain birth defects are the result of genetic diseases that are passed down through families. They can be detected through the use of ultrasound or a blood test. Certain of these diseases can be treated or prevented by a doctor, for example PKU sickle cell disease, and cleft lip and palate. Other birth defects are not known to have a reason and are classified as congenital abnormalities or congenital disorders.
Women over 30 and women of certain ethnicities are at an increased risk of developing birth defects. Couples with a similar family history of genetic illness might want to consult an expert in genetics prior to trying to become pregnant. This can help them determine if additional tests are required. Screening tests for newborns can be used to determine certain conditions, like critical congenital defects and certain infections that could be treated right away.
Diagnosis
Birth defects are abnormally shaped growths that can affect any part of the human body. They can affect the way organs function, or the structure of a person. Birth defects can be identified by a doctor during pregnancy, before birth or even in the early years of childhood. Certain birth defects, such as palates, lips, or craniofacial abnormalities, are visible. Others, however, are not as obvious, such as congenital heart disease or biliary atresia (an obstruction of the duct that transports bile to the liver).
Many birth defect attorneys defects are detected by newborn screening tests which look for certain health problems. These include PKU, congenital hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease. Newborn screening is also used to detect genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. Healthcare professionals can identify some birth defects by using ultrasounds during pregnancy as well as blood tests, depending on the kind of defect.
It is not always possible to pinpoint the cause of a birth defect. However environmental factors are usually implicated. This may include exposure to prescription or over-the-counter medicines, chemical substances that pollute water and air in communities or a problem during pregnancy or delivery. Sometimes, birth defects arise because a physician failed to take the appropriate steps to treat or prevent an illness that is known to be medically prone. In these instances medical malpractice claims can be pursued.
Treatment
Treatment options for a suspected birth defect vary depending on its severity and type. Some defects can be addressed before the birth of a baby, while others might require surgery or other medical procedures after the baby is born.
A few of the most common disorders are chromosomal. They are caused by missing or extra genes in a person’s cells. They are usually passed down from parents. Structural defects include cleft lips and neural tube defects and heart problems. These are usually caused by problems during the development of the baby's body organs, especially during the first three months of pregnancy.
Screening tests for birth defects may be done during the pregnancy process, after a baby is born, or later on in life when symptoms begin to show. These tests can be conducted through ultrasounds and blood tests. One can undergo genetic test for birth defects to determine if they are predisposed towards a particular condition.
Preventing birth defects is not always straightforward. Certain birth defects are caused by complications that arise during pregnancy, while other can be traced to environmental factors. The use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy can cause birth defects. Certain birth defects are due to chemicals that are present in the environment, including pesticides and herbicides, such as Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1971.
Compensation
Despite recent advances in medicine, birth defects as well as injuries are still a devastating reality. Many birth defects can be prevented. If you have a child who has a birth defect that may be the result of the negligence of medical professionals, it is essential to consult an experienced lawyer as quickly as you can. An empathetic and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney can assist you in understanding your legal options and seek compensation to help cover the costs of your family and losses.
Our team of experienced birth defect lawyers have years of experience handling legal claims involving birth defects that are wrongful. We are a solely plaintiffs firm and are proud of the quality of service we provide to our clients. We'll help you get rid of the burden so that you can focus on your child, yourself and your entire family.
We can help you pursue damages, which include future and past medical expenses as well as loss of income, punitive damages in certain circumstances and emotional distress. Our lawyers will investigate the case and will work tirelessly to ensure that your family receives the best possible outcome.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to test their products thoroughly before putting them on market, and to inform consumers of the potential adverse effects. If, however your child's birth defect was due to a pharmaceutical drug, you could make a claim for product liability with the assistance of a birth defects drug lawyer.