Types of Birth Defects

Birth defects are any structural, functional, or metabolic abnormality recognized at birth, which can lead to serious life-long disabilities or even death. There are over three thousand different types of birth defects, which may result from a variety of risk factors including genetic and environmental causes.

Teratogenic Chemicals Causing Birth Defects

Exposure to teratogenic chemicals and drugs such as lead, mercury, household cleaning products, certain antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants like Prozac and Paxil, seizure drugs, and more have been known to cause serious types of birth defects.

Some medications and exposure to toxic chemicals can cause birth defects, including physical deformities such as abnormal limbs, clubfoot, or heart defects. Teratogenic factors can also cause functional problems, which affect the development of a body part or system like the central nervous system in a baby.

Birth Defects from Genetic and Environmental Factors

Some common types of birth defects caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors such as maternal infections, toxic chemicals, and drugs and medications may include, but are not limited to:

Heart Birth Defects – Congenital heart defects occur when there are abnormally formed blood vessels and valves, missing or abnormal connections between veins or arteries and the heart chambers, or holes in the heart chambers.
Neural Tube Birth Defects – Neural tube defects are structural defects that affect the spine and brain. The most common type of neural tube abnormality is a spinal birth defect called spina bifida, or open spine, which may lead to mental impairment, muscle paralysis, and loss of bladder and bowel movement control. Anencephaly, is a type of brain birth defect, in which the skull or brain is underdeveloped. Anencephaly usually results in death within the first few hours after a child's birth.
Facial Birth Defects – Facial birth defects such as cleft palate and/or lip may result from a combination of genetic factors and environmental influences such as certain teratogens.
Metabolic Birth Defects – Metabolic defects, such as Tay-Sachs disease, are the result of genetic diseases, which may lead to blindness, destroyed brain cells, paralysis, and death by the age of five.

Does Your Child Suffer from a Birth Defect?

If you believe your child developed a drug-related birth defect that was caused by exposure to a drug or chemical during your pregnancy, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit to seek compensation for your losses and suffering. Please contact us today to learn more about the different types of birth defects or to speak with a qualified and caring birth defect attorney who will protect your rights and maximize your interests.

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Types of Birth Defects

Teratogenic Chemicals Causing Birth Defects

Birth Defects from Genetic and Environmental Factors

Does Your Child Suffer from a Birth Defect?

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