Patients who are awaiting the birth of a newborn child may rely on doctors to closely monitor their health and provide the necessary care to help the birthing process go as smoothly as possible. Should the labor process persist for extended periods, medical professionals in North Carolina might need to take steps to speed up the process. While many of the health risks associated with prolonged labor may be avoidable with the proper care, with the presence of medical negligence, the well-being of both the mother and the child might be at risk.
Prolonged labor risks
According to studies, there may be a variety of steps medical professionals might take to help mitigate health risks during prolonged labor. Doctors may opt to use forceps and other devices to try and pull a baby out and while this may be necessary at times, it could also carry a certain level of risk, especially with the use of excessive force. Studies also suggest that there may also be a risk that a baby might suffer from oxygen deprivation during a long labor, and while this could lead to a variety of health repercussions, it may also be preventable with proper care.
Prolonged labor could also leave a mother facing a variety of health concerns, such as an increased risk of post-labor hemorrhaging or serious infections. Careful monitoring of the mother and child during prolonged labor may prove essential to taking the necessary steps to stave off potentially serious health complications. It could also be vital to continue monitoring both parties after childbirth to diagnose and treat any concerns arising from extended labor, as a delay in treatment could carry dire ramifications.
Birth injuries
The presence of medical negligence during prolonged labor may only increase the risk that a newborn child might suffer severe or permanent birth injuries. Families in North Carolina who experience similar trials may have questions about their available legal avenues and they could choose to consult with an attorney for guidance on the next steps to take. An attorney can evaluate the client’s situation, along with the child’s injuries and financial needs, and assist him or her in preparing to pursue the full amount of restitution entitled through a medical malpractice claim.