Depending on the specific case and type of defect, a child's birth defect may be discovered before, during, or after pregnancy. With current technology, you may be able to discover abnormalities in your child well before they are born, allowing you to make proper preparations for handling their health in the future.

Types of Diagnoses

There are two types of testing that are used to determine if a child may be born with certain defects. The first of these, screening, is a preliminary attempt by doctors to determine if a child has any abnormalities. While this will not diagnose a problem, it will alert a physician to the possibility of a health issue and may lead to further testing. A simple blood test or ultrasound is enough to discover a number of defects.

Later, diagnostic tests can be used to validate screening results or to check on the status of a pregnancy. High resolution ultrasounds, blood tests, and/or analysis of the placenta or amniotic fluid can all serve to indicate whether a child has certain defects. Chromosomal or genetic disorders, including Down syndrome or Tay-Sachs disease, can be discovered using these methods. Still, some problems may not be evident until after a child is born.

Tracking Birth Defects

Various organizations are dedicated to studying birth defects. If your child has a birth defect, such institutions will collect certain types of data to facilitate their research. The Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program (MACDP) specifically collects data for certain Atlanta counties. On the other hand, the National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) studies cases throughout the United States to discern potential factors leading to a risk of birth defects, and to help families with birth defects.

In any case, various state, national, and international groups work to learn from the families of children with birth defects. Their research is valuable to understanding these disorders and helping families properly handle them. For families seeking personalized assistance, countless support groups are available to provide the information and companionship they need as they learn how best to deal with their child's special needs.

Support Groups

You can find a wide range of support groups to match your family's circumstances. The Arc is a national organization designed to guide families through defects such as Autism, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and other issues. The Spina Bifida Association of Georgia is a state branch of an institution that deals with highly specific needs. Some families may find solace through organizations such as The Compassionate Friends, which is dedicated to those who are grieving the death of a child.

Whatever your needs, your physician and local hospital can be excellent resources for finding a helpful support group. Likewise, if you require legal aid for a birth injury, our firm is available to provide the legal guidance you need. Our legal team at Goldstein Hayes & Lina, P.C. has helped clients recover more than $100 million for injuries suffered at the hands of negligent medical practitioners.

Contact us immediately to discuss your case with a seasoned birth injury attorney in Georgia.