While most deliveries go smoothly, some result in preventable birth injuries that can have lifelong consequences for the child and family. These injuries often stem from complications during labor and delivery—but in some cases, they are caused by medical negligence.
At the Law Offices of Glenn W. Cunningham, we understand the devastation birth injuries can cause and are dedicated to holding negligent medical providers accountable. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of birth injuries, how they can be prevented, and the crucial role healthcare providers play in ensuring safe delivery.
What Causes Birth Injuries? An Overview of Risk Factors.
Birth injuries can occur due to a variety of factors, ranging from natural complications to preventable mistakes. Some common causes include the following:
- Prolonged Labor: When labor is excessively long, it increases the risk of oxygen deprivation or trauma to the baby.
- Size Discrepancies: Babies who are particularly large (macrosomia) or whose head-to-body ratio complicates delivery may experience injuries during birth.
- Premature Birth: Preterm infants are more vulnerable due to their underdeveloped physical structures.
- Maternal Health Conditions: Issues such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia can increase the likelihood of complications during delivery.
How Medical Negligence Can Lead to Birth Injuries
In many cases, birth injuries result not from unavoidable complications but from medical negligence. Errors made by healthcare providers during labor and delivery can have catastrophic consequences.
Some of the most common examples include the following:
- Failure to Monitor Fetal Distress: Neglecting to monitor the baby’s heart rate or respond promptly to signs of distress can lead to oxygen deprivation and brain damage.
- Improper Use of Tools: Misuse of delivery instruments like forceps or vacuum extractors can cause physical trauma such as fractures or nerve damage.
- Delayed C-Section: Waiting too long to perform an emergency cesarean section can lead to severe complications for both mother and baby.
Healthcare providers are expected to meet a standard of care. When that standard is not upheld, families suffer the consequences.
Understanding Fetal Distress: When Delayed Action Leads to Birth Injuries.
Fetal distress occurs when the baby is not receiving enough oxygen during labor. This condition is typically identified through abnormal heart rate patterns. If left unaddressed, it can lead to the following:
Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE): A form of brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation.
Cerebral Palsy: A lifelong condition often associated with traumatic or oxygen-related birth injuries.
Stillbirth: Tragically, inaction during fetal distress can result in the baby’s death.
Signs of fetal distress, such as changes in heart rate or decreased fetal movement, should prompt immediate medical intervention. Delays in performing a C-section or other necessary measures can result in devastating outcomes for the baby and family.
Preventing Birth Injuries: Questions to Ask Your Obstetrician.
While parents cannot control every aspect of childbirth, they can take proactive steps to ensure they receive the best possible care. Here are some critical questions to ask your obstetrician:
How will my baby’s heart rate be monitored during labor?
Fetal heart monitoring is essential for detecting early signs of distress and taking timely action.
What is your approach to high-risk pregnancies?
If you have a condition like gestational diabetes or hypertension, ask how your provider will manage it to reduce complications.
When do you decide to perform a C-section?
Understanding their criteria for surgical intervention can help you feel confident in their decision-making process.
What is your experience with assisted delivery tools?
Inquire about their training and experience with devices like forceps or vacuum extractors and whether they are confident using them safely.
How do you handle emergencies during labor?
Knowing their protocol for emergencies can give you peace of mind.
The Law Offices of Glenn W. Cunningham Are Here to Help
Birth injuries are not only life-altering but also often preventable. While natural factors can play a role, medical providers' actions—or inactions—frequently determine the outcome. Parents can reduce the likelihood of complications by understanding risk factors, advocating for proper care, and recognizing the importance of timely intervention. If you believe that medical negligence contributed to a birth injury in your family, seeking legal advice can help you uncover the truth and secure the justice you deserve.
At the Law Offices of Glenn W. Cunningham, we are committed to helping families heal by holding negligent healthcare providers accountable. Contact us for a complimentary consultation to discuss your case.