A birth injury is harm to the baby that occurs as a result of a doctor’s negligent actions or inaction. Birth injuries can happen during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or the moments following birth. A birth defect is a problem that occurs during pregnancy. It can result from genetics, infection, the mother’s lifestyle, or exposure to toxins. A doctor’s negligence does not cause a birth defect, but doctor’s should be held accountable for detecting the abnormality and treating it accordingly.