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Every year, approximately 150,000 babies are born with a structural, functional, or metabolic birth defect that is a result of genetic or environmental factors. As technology becomes more advanced, expecting mothers can receive prenatal or perinatal birth defect diagnosis tests to determine whether their child has a genetic or environmental abnormality.
Prenatal birth defect diagnosis tests can be performed with an ultrasound. Ultrasounds can diagnose different types of birth defects including structural abnormalities such as spina bifida (a spine malformation), heart defects, and urinary tract defects. Amniocentesis tests and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) tests can detect many genetic birth defects or diagnose chromosomal abnormalities such as Downs Syndrome.
Prenatal birth defect diagnosis tests may sometimes improve the prognosis for children with birth defects. Certain prenatal therapies are available to treat some birth defects prior to birth. For example, over 100 babies have undergone experimental prenatal surgical procedures to correct spina bifida before birth. While long-term results have yet to be determined, the preliminary results of prenatal surgeries are promising.
In many cases, birth defects are discovered at the time of birth, as no test was able to detect the condition prior to delivery. In some cases, failure to diagnose birth defects may constitute medical malpractice, while in others it may have been difficult or impossible to predict complications in the newborn. Once a birth defect diagnosis is made, a doctor can conduct further investigation to learn more about your child's condition.
Some birth defects are not present at birth, but may develop within the first few days or weeks after birth. In this case, a doctor may perform a perinatal birth defect diagnosis test to determine whether a child has any structural, functional, or metabolic abnormalities caused by either genetic factors or environmental toxins.
In some cases, the signs or symptoms of birth defects, particularly those affecting a child's cognitive and mental capabilities, can be delayed for several months or years. A doctor can perform birth defect diagnosis tests to determine the possible causes of the defect.
Unfortunately, a birth defect diagnosis does not always bring a cause for the condition. In a majority of cases, the cause of birth defects remains unknown. A doctor can conduct a comprehensive medical evaluation to determine or rule out factors which may be pertinent to your child's condition. A birth defects attorney is also highly experienced in evaluating medical and case histories to determine if a preventable error or environmental hazard was responsible for your child's injuries.
In the event that a prenatal or perinatal birth defect diagnosis test reveals that your child's birth defect was most likely the cause of preventable environmental factors - such as maternal exposure to over-the-counter or prescription medications, hazardous chemicals in products and in the environment, or x-rays and radiation - you may be eligible to pursue a birth defect lawsuit.
A birth defect lawsuit can help ensure you and your family get the compensation you deserve for your losses including past, present, and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more. Please contact us today to learn more about birth defect diagnosis tests or to speak with a qualified and experienced birth defect attorney who can evaluate your case and inform you of your legal rights and options.
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