Labor and Delivery Injuries Complications and Errors
The goal is always to deliver babies without running into any issues or problems whatsoever. Still, many risks come along with labor that doctors must always know how to recognize and address quickly. Birth complications are dangerous, and there is often very little time to provide solutions and act on it. Both the mother and her unborn baby may suffer permanent injuries if medical professionals fail to manage the issue.
Common Labor Complications
In some cases, the medical staff makes a mistake regarding the medication or the monitoring. Nobody wants an injury to happen; however, these are all preventable if the physician had performed with due diligence, accuracy and competence. There are many different problems during childbirth, which result in varying birth injuries depending on the complication.
Birth Asphyxia
Asphyxia refers to oxygen deprivation. When infants are born and don’t have adequate oxygen in their blood, it may cause infant brain damage. It happens more often in cases where the mother and the baby don’t receive necessary medical care. Many different factors cause oxygen deprivation. Additionally, the severity and duration of the asphyxia and how the doctor handled the baby increase the risk of injury.
Delayed Emergency C-Section
In case of a critical health issue during birth, delivery must happen immediately. Upon assessing the situation, doctors may deem it necessary to have an emergency C-section.
If the process exceeds 30 minutes, or the doctors prolong it for whatever reason, the baby can suffer. If it isn’t performed in time because the medical officers didn’t recognize the signs immediately, that is a case of medical malpractice.
Forceps and Vacuum Extractor Injury
Sometimes, the mother needs assistance in giving birth when they can no longer push, or the baby is stuck. In these cases, medical professionals may need to use assistive devices like forceps or vacuum extractors, but they can induce birth injury. There is the proper placement for the forceps “arms” and correct pressure and suction for the vacuum. If the devices are used at the wrong stage of delivery, the baby may indicate an injury.
Fetal Monitoring Errors
During labor, doctors constantly monitor the mother and her unborn baby’s health. It allows them to see whether the baby’s heart rate is normal, and if they are getting enough oxygen.
Doctors must interpret monitor readouts correctly and intervene whenever necessary. The fetal heart rate monitors show if the baby is undergoing distress. During this point, doctors must act and solve accordingly.
Placental Abruption
The placenta provides a baby with the nutrients and oxygen it needs to live. At the same time, it also removes fetal waste products. The placenta is attached to the uterine wall, but the baby might not receive oxygen if they separate.
Trauma to the abdomen, smoking, labor induction and advanced maternal age are all possible causes of placental abruption. In case it happens, the physician may require an emergency C-section.
Traumatic Birth Injuries
Birth trauma occurs when there is too much physical pressure during delivery, which harmed the baby’s tissues and organs. Back in 2008, birth trauma accounted for less than 2% of neonatal deaths. Using the forceps with excessive force or the vacuum for more than 20 minutes will hurt the unborn child. Even the misuse of birth medication is harmful. At all times, doctors must handle the delivery with skill and precision, following the guidelines closely.
Umbilical Cord Complications
The umbilical cord serves the fundamental purpose of connecting the mother to her baby. Complications with the umbilical cord are fatal and may cause oxygen deprivation or common birth injuries.
Issues with the umbilical cord can range from cord compression to knots. Early recognition of the problem is essential because an emergency is high-risk for the unborn baby.
Uterine Rupture
Throughout the whole process of pregnancy, labor, or the delivery itself, the uterus might feel too much pressure. It can result in a tear, and if it ruptures completely, it may cause severe bleeding and maternal complications. Severe abdominal pain, changes in contraction patterns, and abnormal heart rate of the baby are signs of a ruptured uterus. Instability with the mother’s blood pressure and heart rate are strong indications as well.
Contact The Clark Law Office in Case of Birth Injuries
In the event of medical malpractice resulting in birth injury, you would need legal help. You must be compensated for the economic and non-economic losses that you’ve experienced due to the accident.
For a trusted and experienced law firm, do not hesitate to contact The Clark Law Office. With our expertise in birth injury lawsuits, we can advise you on the plans of action to take. Let us help you with your case to ease your worries. Book an appointment today.