One of the most important roles of an OB-GYN is to make sure you take the steps necessary to have a healthy pregnancy and reduce the risk of birth defects. One of the most important steps you should take when pregnant is to take folic acid supplements. If your doctor fails to warn you about this or any other safety precautions, you should take legal action.
Why Folic Acid is So Important
Folate plays a role in the production of red blood cells and in the formation of your child's brain stem and brain. You are able to receive folic acid from fortified cereals and dark leafy vegetables. However, to make sure that you're not deficient in folic acid, you should also consider taking supplements. Your doctor should inform you that you should take a prenatal vitamin that comes with folic acid.
Birth Defects and Duty of Care
When your doctor accepts you as a patient, he accepts the duty of care. This means that the doctor must treat you based on accepted standards from the medical community. If you do not meet these standards, this is considered a breach of duty and the doctor might be found liable for damages.
Damages Caused by a Birth Defect Due to Doctor Negligence
If your doctor fails to instruct you to take steps necessary to prevent birth defects and also fails to monitor the baby to uncover potential birth defects and take steps to prevent them, you may be able to successfully pursue a case with the help of a birth defect lawyer. You will also need to have followed your doctor's instructions and failure to do so must not have been the primary factor that led to your child's birth defect.
The physical and mental defects that can result from your doctor's negligence can lead to expensive medical bills and years of required medical treatment and expenses. A birth defect might also result in the death of your child. A birth defect lawyer will investigate the case and will determine if you have a case. Birth defects can be genetic, but there are some conditions where there must be both a genetic risk and environmental factors to lead to a birth defect. If your doctor suspects that your child might be at genetic risk of a birth defect, he will be responsible for warning you and also for making sure that you take steps necessary to minimize the risk.
If you feel like you have had an issue with doctor negligence during your pregnancy, talk to a birth defect lawyer today.