Birth Defects Shouldn’t Dampen the Joy of Birth

Childbirth should be a beautiful and life-changing experience for parents. Unfortunately, birth defects can change this experience. Children born with birth defects will require additional care. In the case of a cleft lip or cleft palate, surgery is necessary within only a few weeks after the child is born. But this surgery is routine and simple, and parents should not let this small wrench ruin the joy of a new baby. As difficult as it may seem, it is important to transfer the emotion of fear into motivation to seek immediate help.

Birth Defects Happen and Help is Waiting

New parents may be overwhelmed with the birth of a child who is already in need of special treatment and surgery, but there are plenty of resources available to help both parent and child get through the difficult time with ease.

new jersey philadelphia Birth Defects attorneys dampen joy birthCleft lip occurs in about one out of seven hundred births, meaning there are people who are ready to help your child live a normal life. This team consists of professionals like a plastic/craniofacial surgeon, pediatrician, orthodontist, pediatric dentist, speech language pathologist, ear nose and throat specialist, an audiologist, genetic counselor, nurse team coordinator, and a social worker. Each of these individuals will provide a form of support and strength to your baby and family. These professionals are trained to treat your baby’s needs and answer any questions you may have. Beyond providing healthcare for your baby, counselors and social workers are designated to help your child cope with the psychological aspects that may accompany a cleft lip/palate. A child with a cleft lip will face many health problems, but the deeper, emotional problems can be just as significant. These counselors will introduce you to organizations for certain birth defects, as well as support groups of other families just like yours. Despite the fear of the unknown, it is crucial to be an advocate for your child and to utilize all possible resources.

Birth Defects Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your child was born with a birth defect that you believe can be attributed to your use of Topamax during pregnancy, it is likely that you have some questions. Please contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Cleft Lip: The Importance of the Upgraded Pregnancy Warning

The drug Topamax, commonly used for treating seizures associated with epilepsy and preventing serious migraines, may also raise the risk of oral birth defects during pregnancy. Oral birth defects that can be triggered by the use of Topamax include cleft lip and cleft palate. This news comes after the Food and Drug Administration released a new warning regarding the highly popular drug.

Increased Warning on Topamax Label

new jersey philadelphia Cleft Lip Lawyers importance upgraded pregnancy warningAs data from studies shows the possible correlation between Topamax and cleft lip, the FDA states that there will be a stronger label on the product. The pregnancy category of the drug has been changed. The warning will now show Topamax in category D, as opposed to its former spot in category C. There has been positive evidence of fetal risk in human beings, which is the reason for the change of category.

During the first trimester of pregnancy, if the lip or palate fails to fuse together, cleft lip or cleft palate defects may occur. The degree and seriousness of the defect can widely vary. Defects can be as minimal as simply a small notch in the lip, to a more dramatic occurrence of a groove that spans the roof of the mouth and nose. More serious cleft lip issues may lead to problems with speech, eating, and the possibility of ear infections.

Cleft Lip Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you were recently pregnant and your child has had a birth defect, it is possible that you may have some questions. Please contact the Mininno Law Office for any questions regarding cleft lip, Topamax use during pregnancy, or call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Birth Defect Lawyers: Pregnant Women May Need Medical Alternatives

Following its inception and FDA approval, Topamax quickly rose to the top of the food chain. Birth defect attorneys note that the drug quickly became one of the most commonly prescribed pharmaceutical drugs to prevent migraines in the industry. Topamax is most frequently used to treat epilepsy and migraines. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration has categorized Topamax as a drug that can potentially present significant and unnecessary harm to a human fetus, potentially leaving expectant mothers in search of an alternative.

Women are Especially Susceptible

new jersey philadelphia birth defect lawyers pregnant women risk increase topamaxWomen frequently use Topamax because they are much more likely to suffer from severe migraine headaches as opposed to their male counterparts. In fact, women are three times more likely than men to encounter migraines. Women who are looking to become pregnant face an additional risk. In their childbearing years, the likelihood of headaches increases yet again, making women of this age extremely vulnerable. Therefore, it is quite understandable that many women would turn to a well respected product, such as Topamax, to alleviate pain. The problem that has now surfaced is that Topamax has been linked to certain birth defects such as cleft lip or cleft palate. Although Topamax is a proven commodity that deals well with ailments such as epilepsy and migraines, the risk of potential birth defects in pregnant women may lead them to search for alternatives. The FDA and birth defect lawyers both agree, Topamax should not be prescribed for pregnant women in most cases.

Birth Defect Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you recently had a child who was born with a birth defect and you suspect it may be attributed to your use of Topamax during pregnancy, you may be entitled to compensation. For questions about birth defects or potential legal action, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.