What are the consequences of birth defects?

What are the consequences of birth defects?

The topic of birth defects is a complicated and emotional one. Birth defects are common and can be caused by many different genetic and environmental factors. The fact that the majority of birth defects are without known cause can be frustrating to both parents and healthcare providers.

The topic is emotional in that you may be understandably upset when you learn that your child has a serious birth defect. You may feel that medical science should be able to prevent, or at least identify in advance, all possible birth defects. You may feel that someone is at fault. You might blame yourself. You might feel that you either did something that caused the defect or failed to do something that could have prevented it. This is almost never the case.

Sometimes parents feel that the obstetrician is at fault. (An obstetrician is a healthcare provider who specializes in treating women during pregnancy, delivery and recovery.) The parents might believe that the obstetrician could have ordered a test, prescribed a medicine, or done something differently to prevent the defect. This is usually not the case, but an honest discussion with the healthcare provider can help address these concerns.

If you are a parent of a child with a birth defect, you should schedule appointments with your child’s healthcare provider at times when you can be present. You and the healthcare provider should thoroughly discuss possible causes, testing, treatment and referrals to specialists and support groups. You should continue these discussions and should continue asking questions until you are completely satisfied.