Risk Factors for Birth Injuries in Children
During pregnancy, parents, especially mothers, take every necessary precaution to ensure their safety and the safety of the baby. From regular appointments with her doctor, eating healthy, and taking her prenatal vitamins, mothers do everything to keep her baby healthy.
The preparation for the coming of the new baby is an exciting time. There are parenting classes to join, prenatal exercises and yoga, and of course, shopping for baby stuff. However, with the miraculous wonder of pregnancy comes along the risk of childbirth. The importance of your appointments with your doctor cannot be reiterated enough. It is during these prenatal check-ups that possible risks should be identified, and what can be done to avoid them.
The risk of injuring the baby during childbirth must be identified prior to delivery. Acknowledging these risks are critical, so that due preparation can be done. Your doctor or health practitioner should be able to identify and address these risk factors. However, we know that sometimes, even doctors fail. When a doctor fails to address these risk factors, infants suffer.
Most birth injuries can be prevented and avoided. If you believe your baby incurred an otherwise avoidable birth injury, contact a Michigan personal injury lawyer right away!
Common Risk Factors for Birth Injuries
Your doctor is trained to identify risk factors that can harm your baby during childbirth. Here are the common risks that your doctor should be on the lookout for.
- Shape and size issues
It is never easy to deliver a baby. The mother undergoes tremendous pain, which can be traumatic for both the mother and the baby. Delivering a baby that is larger than the average can be especially difficult.
Another factor that can make childbirth more difficult is the shape of the mother’s pelvis. The pelvis may be shaped in a manner that leaves little space for the baby to push through. This can cause some serious problems.
The delivery may have little progress, no matter how hard and how long the mother pushes. The longer the baby is stuck in the birth canal, the higher the risk for him to sustain injuries. It can result in trauma, oxygen deprivation, and compression of the head and brain. These injuries can lead to both physical and developmental impairment.
The doctor may choose to use forceps or vacuum to assist in the delivery. However, if these tools are not used properly, these can also hurt or injure the baby.
- Health conditions of the mother
During pregnancy, a mother can develop health conditions that can harm her and her baby. Your doctor must be able to diagnose these conditions so treatment can be done. If the condition cannot be treated, your doctor must monitor both mother and baby during the remaining term. A C-section may sometimes be scheduled to mitigate risks and complications.
- The baby’s position
The baby’s position before delivery is critical. The baby’s position must be head down, facing the mother’s back, to ensure a smoother delivery. This is called the cephalic position, and most babies settle in this position as early as 32 weeks.
Some positions, such as the breech position, are not ideal for vaginal delivery. Your doctor should inform you about your baby’s position, so you can discuss the possibility of a C-section delivery.
- Birth defects
Sadly, some babies already have problems even while in their mother’s womb. These birth defects must be identified beforehand so your medical team can prepare to support the baby’s needs. The preparation is vital, as your baby may need assistance to breathe properly once he is out.
- Premature labor
During your prenatal check-ups, your doctor must be able to determine if you are at risk for preterm labor. There are associated risks when a baby is delivered way before the expected due date. If you are at risk for preterm labor, your doctor will usually advise for complete bed rest. If preterm labor is unavoidable, your doctor should take every necessary step to protect you and the baby.
Contact a Michigan Birth Injury Lawyer for your Birth Injury Claims
Unfortunately, some doctors ignore these risk factors. This negligence can lead to injuries, for both the baby and the mother. Under Michigan law, you can seek compensation for your health practitioner’s negligence. You may not be able to take back what has been done, but you can be compensated for the following:
- Additional medical expenses
- Ongoing treatment and therapy
- Emotional and physical pain
- Permanent impairments and injuries
- Lost income
We at The Clark Law Office will help you recover from a heartbreaking, yet otherwise avoidable tragedy. We will be with you every step of the way to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Call us now for a free consultation.
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