Managing Partner
After going through several long months of pregnancy, the last thing a new mother expects is for her baby to suffer birth injuries. Unfortunately, however, birth injuries occur every day, and many of them are due to the negligent behavior of doctors and other medical staff. In this article, we examine risk factors and common causes of birth injuries.
Medical Conditions
During pregnancy, it is possible to develop medical conditions that can result in birth injuries. Fortunately, with proper evaluation and diagnosis, the risks associated with such conditions can be mitigated. However, doctors sometimes fail to diagnose and treat these conditions, and these failures often result in birth injuries.
Delivery Position
A baby’s position prior to delivery can affect the risk of birth injuries. Some positions make vaginal delivery nearly impossible. When a baby is in such a position, the doctor should inform the mother of the dangers associated with vaginal delivery and suggest an alternative option, such as a C-section.
Size and Shape of the Baby
Vaginal delivery can also be dangerous when a baby is particularly large. When a baby weighs over nine pounds at the time of delivery, he or she is referred to as macrosomic. In this type of case, a vaginal delivery is usually not advisable. Therefore, it is imperative that doctors track a baby’s size during pregnancy and make C-section recommendations when necessary.
Mother’s Anatomy
In some cases, the shape of the mother’s pelvis can complicate delivery. This can result in a baby becoming trapped in the birth canal and suffering from birth injuries. Some common birth canal injuries, such as brain compression and oxygen deprivation, can result in developmental, cognitive, and physical impairment. It is the responsibility of the doctor to identify these types of issues beforehand and make appropriate recommendations.
Maternal Issues
Finally, mothers sometimes suffer from health conditions that can increase the potential for birth injuries. One such condition, preeclampsia, causes extremely high blood pressure. This condition can increase the risk of birth injuries, such as oxygen deprivation and brain damage.
In addition, the presence of certain infections in a mother’s system can produce a higher risk for birth injuries. When left untreated, certain infections can lead to decreased fetal oxygen supply and cerebral palsy.
Gestational diabetes is another maternal health issue that can cause birth injuries. This issue can cause problems for both the mother and child, including macrosomia, preeclampsia, and premature birth. However, when properly diagnosed by a doctor, the risks above can be greatly mitigated.
Contact a Long Island Medical Malpractice Attorney
If your child suffered a birth injury, you may be entitled to financial compensation by filing a medical malpractice lawsuit. At Dell & Dean, PLLC, we represent clients in medical malpractice cases throughout New York. Please contact our knowledgeable medical malpractice attorneys today to arrange a free and confidential consultation.
