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Since 1979, Dov Apfel has been passionate about advocating for birth injury and medical malpractice victims. Mr. Apfel’s career-long record of achievements in birth injury litigation, education, and advocacy has been recognized by the Executive Board of the Birth Trauma Litigation Group of the American Association for Justice. His expertise is demonstrated by his numerous awards, presentations on birth injury topics at legal conferences for organizations like the AAJ and ATLA, and articles published by Trial Magazine and many others.
Read Bio
Since 1979, Dov Apfel has been passionate about advocating for birth injury and medical malpractice victims. Mr. Apfel’s career-long record of achievements in birth injury litigation, education, and advocacy has been recognized by the Executive Board of the Birth Trauma Litigation Group of the American Association for Justice. His expertise is demonstrated by his numerous awards, presentations on birth injury topics at legal conferences for organizations like the AAJ and ATLA, and articles published by Trial Magazine and many others.
January is National Birth Defects Awareness Month, observed each year to raise awareness about birth defects, their possible causes, prevention efforts, and the support families may need after a diagnosis. It’s a time focused on education, research, and understanding, while encouraging conversations that help families feel less alone.
You may be searching for answers, clarity, or reassurance during an overwhelming and emotional time. At Levin & Perconti, we understand how complex these situations can be. Our attorneys, including our experienced birth injury team, work with families affected by birth defects and birth injuries to help them understand their legal options when medical negligence may have played a role. If you have questions or need guidance from a Chicago birth injury lawyer, call (312) 332-2872 to speak with our team and get clear answers.
What Is the Purpose of National Birth Defects Awareness Month?
National Birth Defects Awareness Month was established to bring attention to how common birth defects are, how they can affect families, and why ongoing education and research matter. The effort is led nationally by organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the March of Dimes, both of which work to improve understanding of birth defects and support families navigating complex diagnoses.
The core goals of the month are awareness, prevention, and connection. Public education helps families better understand what causes birth defects, common risk factors, and the importance of early detection and coordinated care. Prevention efforts focus on reducing avoidable risks where possible, while acknowledging that not all birth defects can be predicted or prevented. Just as important, the month highlights support resources so families know they are not facing these challenges alone.
Many families, advocates, and organizations participate by sharing stories, educational materials, and messages of support through campaigns like #NBDAM and #EveryJourneyMatters. These efforts help elevate understanding, reduce stigma, and reinforce that every family’s experience deserves to be seen, respected, and supported.
Birth Injuries vs. Birth Defects: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the difference between birth injuries and birth defects can be helpful, but the distinction is not always clear. Birth defects are typically present at birth, while birth injuries often involve harm that occurs during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, such as conditions linked to oxygen deprivation, such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, or injuries that may result from complications, like shoulder dystocia, during delivery.
In some situations, these categories can overlap. A birth defect may go undiagnosed or unmanaged, and medical mistakes before or during delivery can still lead to preventable harm. Recognizing this nuance is important, especially for families seeking to understand whether appropriate care was provided and whether medical negligence may have played a role.
Common Types and Causes of Birth Defects
There are thousands of different birth defects, ranging from mild conditions to serious medical challenges that can affect a child’s health, development, or quality of life. Some of the more commonly recognized categories include heart defects, neural tube defects involving the brain or spinal cord, cleft lip or cleft palate, and chromosomal conditions that affect growth and development. In some cases, conditions such as cerebral palsy may also be present alongside conditions or complications that occur before or during birth.
Some risk factors have been identified, including genetics, environmental exposures, certain infections during pregnancy, maternal health conditions, and the use of specific medications. Still, it’s important to understand that not all birth defects are preventable, and having a risk factor does not mean a parent did anything wrong. Each family’s situation is unique, and understanding the full picture often requires careful medical and legal review.
Key Birth Defect Statistics
Understanding the scope and impact of birth defects helps explain why awareness and early support matter. According to data from the CDC, several key trends stand out:
- Birth defects affect 1 in every 33 babies born in the United States each year
- Birth defects are the leading cause of infant death, accounting for about 20% of all infant deaths
- Most birth defects develop during the first three months of pregnancy, when a baby’s organs are forming, but some can occur later as development continues
- An estimated 16,801 children each year are affected by heart defects
- Approximately 2,332 children each year are affected by brain and spinal cord defects
Can the Wrong Prescription Drugs Cause Birth Defects?
Sometimes, evidence can show that a birth defect was caused by the medical negligence of a doctor, physician, pharmacist, or hospital system for administering or prescribing dangerous drugs to a pregnant woman. For example, if a baby’s birth defects can be linked to exposure to prescription drugs prescribed by the obstetrical team or if a pharmacist provided the wrong dose or wrong drug, this is the time to request advice or representation from a lawyer.
Some drugs and chemicals commonly linked to causing birth defects in a growing fetus may include:
- Angiotensin-converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
- Paxil
- Lithium
- Tetracycline
- High Doses of Vitamin A
- Warfarin
- Accutane
- Anticonvulsant Medications
- Some Cancer-fighting Medications
- Isotretinoin
- Bisphenol A
- Dibutyl Phthalate, and Perchloroethylene
- Some Antibiotics
- Some Thyroid Medications
- Thalidomide
- Some Sleeping Pills
- Diethylstilbestrol (DES)
Premature birth or a birth that happens before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy can be one sign of dangerous prescription drug exposure. Babies born with low birthweights, a reduced head circumference, heart defects, and defects related to how a child’s body developed have also been identified in prescription drug overuse or improper use.
How Can Birth Defects Be Prevented
Not all birth defects can be prevented, and many occur without a clear cause. Still, public health research shows some steps may help reduce certain risks during pregnancy.
Public health guidance often focuses on general health measures and prevention strategies, which may include:
- Regularly talking with a healthcare provider before and during pregnancy to address questions, medications, or health concerns
- Taking 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, which has been shown to reduce the risk of certain neural tube defects
- Attending regular prenatal checkups to monitor fetal development
- Managing chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or infections, with appropriate medical care
- Avoiding harmful substances, including alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes, vaping products, and illicit drugs
- Staying up to date on recommended vaccinations before or during pregnancy, when appropriate
These measures may lower risk in some situations, but they cannot prevent every birth defect. When a diagnosis occurs, families deserve clear information, compassionate support, and, when the need arises, guidance from experienced professionals who can help them understand their options.
Resources and Support for Families
Families affected by birth defects often benefit from connecting with trusted organizations and early support services. The resources below can provide education, guidance, and help navigate next steps after a diagnosis:
- March of Dimes
Offers information on birth defects, pregnancy health, research initiatives, and support programs for families. - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Provides research-based resources on birth defects, developmental milestones, risk factors, and long-term outcomes. - Early Intervention Services
State and local programs that support infants and young children with developmental delays or medical needs through evaluations and specialized services.
Early intervention can be especially important for identifying a child’s needs as soon as possible and connecting families with appropriate support. While every situation is different, timely access to these resources can help improve developmental outcomes and give families clearer direction during an uncertain time.
Contact a Chicago Birth Injury Attorney for Help
National Birth Defects Awareness Month is about education, understanding, and support, but for some families, it also raises difficult questions about whether a birth defect or related injury could have been prevented with appropriate medical care. When concerns about treatment, monitoring, or decision-making arise, having reliable guidance matters.
At Levin & Perconti, our birth injury team has decades of experience representing families in complex medical malpractice cases. Our attorneys take a careful, fact-driven approach, offering clear answers and compassionate support while helping families understand whether medical negligence may have played a role. The firm has recovered over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements, and our successful cases include some of the most significant birth injury and medical malpractice results in Illinois.
If you’re considering speaking with a Chicago birth injury attorney, reach out for a confidential conversation. You can call (312) 332-2872 or our toll-free number at (877) 374-1417, or contact us through our secure online form. Our team is here to listen, answer your questions, and help you understand the options that may be available to your family.
