Understanding Maternal Health Risks & Birth Injuries

A mother’s health during pregnancy plays a critical role in ensuring a safe delivery. Certain medical conditions, infections, or complications can put both the baby and mother at risk. If doctors fail to properly monitor, diagnose, or treat maternal health issues, serious birth injuries may occur.

Many of these conditions require early detection, proper prenatal care, and timely medical intervention. If a doctor misdiagnoses a condition or fails to act on warning signs, it can lead to preterm birth, oxygen deprivation, or lifelong disabilities for the child.  If your child suffered a birth injury due to an undiagnosed pregnancy complication, you may have legal options.  Our Michigan birth injury law firm has helped families recover compensation for preventable injuries.

Maternal Health Issues That Can Lead to Birth Injuries

A mother’s health throughout pregnancy is crucial for a safe delivery. Certain condition if left undiagnosed or improperly managed can put both the mother and baby at risk. Some complications require increased monitoring, specialized care, or emergency interventions, and failure to take the proper precautions can result in serious birth injuries, premature birth, or even stillbirth.

Doctors and medical professionals have a duty to identify and respond to maternal health issues as early as possible. When they fail to do so, medical negligence can be a direct cause of birth injuries.

High-Risk Pregnancy Conditions

Certain pregnancies require specialized care due to underlying health conditions. Failure to monitor and treat these risks can result in birth complications.

  • Gestational Diabetes – Poorly controlled blood sugar levels can lead to preterm birth, macrosomia (large baby), and delivery complications.
  • High-Risk Pregnancy – Pregnancies with pre-existing health conditions, multiple babies, or previous complications require extra monitoring.
  • HELLP Syndrome – A severe form of preeclampsia that can cause liver and blood clotting problems, increasing the risk of placental abruption and fetal distress.
  • Hyperemesis Gravidarum – Extreme nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and poor fetal growth.

Maternal Infections & Birth Injuries

Untreated infections during pregnancy can cross the placenta or cause serious complications during delivery. Doctors must diagnose and treat infections early to prevent brain damage, seizures, or developmental delays in newborns.

  • Chorioamnionitis – A bacterial infection of the amniotic sac that can cause preterm labor, fetal infection, and brain damage.
  • Group B Strep Infection – A common bacterial infection that, if left untreated, can cause pneumonia, meningitis, or sepsis in newborns.
  • Incompetent Cervix (Cervical Insufficiency) – A condition where the cervix weakens too early in pregnancy, leading to preterm birth or miscarriage.
  • Infection in Newborns – Some maternal infections can pass to the baby before or during birth, increasing the risk of brain infections, respiratory issues, or developmental disabilities.

Placental & Fetal Growth Complications

The placenta is essential for providing oxygen and nutrients to the baby. If placental function is compromised, it can lead to growth restrictions, oxygen deprivation, or stillbirth.

  • Intrauterine Growth Restriction – A condition where the baby does not grow properly in the womb, increasing the risk of low birth weight and complications during delivery.
  • Maternal Injuries – Injuries such as placental abruption, uterine rupture, or hemorrhage can cause serious complications for both mother and baby.
  • Premature Delivery – Babies born before 37 weeks may face breathing difficulties, brain bleeds, and developmental delays.

  • Marginal Cord Insertion – occurs when the umbilical cord attaches to the edge of the placenta instead of the center, potentially restricting blood flow and affecting fetal growth.

Legal Rights for Pregnancy-Related Birth Injuries

If a doctor or hospital failed to diagnose or properly treat a maternal health condition, parents may have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. In Michigan, families may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, special education costs, therapy, and long-term care.

Michigan law requires expert medical testimony to prove that a healthcare provider’s negligence directly caused the birth injury. Additionally, parents generally have two years from the date of injury to file a claim, but the deadline may be extended until the child’s 10th birthday in some cases.  📞 Call our Michigan birth injury lawyers to discuss your legal rights.

Pregnancy & Maternal Health Issues FAQs

What pregnancy conditions increase the risk of birth injuries?

High-risk conditions such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and infections can lead to preterm birth, fetal distress, or oxygen deprivation if not properly managed.

Can I sue a doctor for failing to monitor my pregnancy complications?

Yes. If a doctor ignored warning signs, misdiagnosed a maternal condition, or failed to intervene in time, parents may file a medical malpractice claim for negligence.

How do infections during pregnancy cause birth injuries?

Certain infections like chorioamnionitis, Group B Strep, and untreated maternal fevers can cross the placenta, increasing the risk of brain infections, meningitis, or newborn sepsis.

How long do I have to file a pregnancy-related birth injury claim in Michigan?

Michigan law generally allows parents two years from the injury date to file a claim. However, if the child was under age 8, the deadline may extend until the child’s 10th birthday.

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