Birth Defects & Prevention
A birth defect is a serious health condition that can be present at the time of birth. Your babies health can be severely compromised and it can lead to long-term health issues throughout their life. If you didn’t already know, January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month, and we want all East Texans to be made fully aware of this issue. There are some common things expectant mothers can do to prevent this that most people are aware of such as avoiding alcohol and eating too much fish. However, there are also some issues related to medical negligence from inadequate or improper care during the course of a mothers pregnancy.
Well Known Causes of Birth Defects
- Smoking, drinking alcohol or taking any illegal substance
- Medical conditions such as obesity, or diabetes that have been left untreated
- Taking certain medications
- Illness or infection during pregnancy
Ways You Can Prevent Birth Defects
- Take Folic Acid daily
- Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, or any illegal drugs
- Ask your doctor about your current medications or prescriptions
- Avoid sick or contagious people
- Wash your hands often to avoid getting sick
- Continue treatment of any pre-existing medical conditions you have
- Attend your regular prenatal care appointments
Medical Malpractice Causes of Birth Defects
- Prolonged labor – If the doctor notices that the mother will be unable to deliver naturally after a long period of time; other options need to be considered
- Instrument injuries created by the health care provider
- Babies born breech or in nontraditional delivery positions
The good news is that most birth defects are fully preventable if the health care provider is paying attention and doing a good job of taking care of you and the health of your baby. Keep in mind that if your baby has suffered a birth defect because of the negligence of a health care provider, you can be compensated. At Martin Walker Law, we are fully capable of handling situations like this for you. If you would like to consult with us for free do not hesitate to call our office today. (903) 526-1600.
