The birth of a child is a time of joy and celebration. However, some complications during labor and delivery can lead to serious injuries.
Not every birth injury is due to medical negligence, but many occur because healthcare providers fail to follow accepted standards of care. Understanding some of the common causes of birth injuries can help parents recognize when something may have gone wrong.
What is a birth injury?
A birth injury refers to physical harm sustained by a newborn either before, during or shortly after delivery. Some injuries are minor and resolve quickly, but others can result in long-term or permanent conditions.
One of the leading causes of birth injuries is the failure to monitor for and respond to signs of fetal distress. During labor, tracking the baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels is absolutely vital. If abnormalities occur, such as a sudden drop in heart rate, it may indicate the baby isn’t receiving enough oxygen.
If the doctors or nurses don’t respond quickly enough, the baby may suffer oxygen deprivation, leading to brain injuries or conditions such as Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE).
There may be times when the healthcare provider needs to perform an emergency cesarean section (c-section), such as prolonged labor, fetal distress or complications with the umbilical cord. If the healthcare provider fails to recognize that a C-section is necessary or delays ordering one, the consequences can be devastating.
Delivery tools, like forceps and vacuum extractors, are sometimes required to assist with difficult deliveries. These tools can be helpful when used correctly, but improper use can cause serious harm.
Excessive force or incorrect placement can lead to:
- Skull fractures
- Brain injuries
- Nerve damage
Medical providers need to be properly trained and exercise caution when using these tools.
Birth injuries can have life-altering consequences for the child and their family. When an injury results from medical negligence, families have the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses and ongoing care. A legal professional can explain the options and help protect the family’s future.