What Are Birth Injuries
Birth injury is any type of injury that a newborn suffers during the pregnancy, labor, or delivery process. Many babies suffer from minor injuries that heal on their own in days or weeks, while in some cases, it can lead to more severe complications that result in a disability for the rest of their life. Health care providers have a legal responsibility to take due care in preventing any birth injuries during the process.
Causes of Birth Injuries
Medical Factors
A mother’s medical conditions during pregnancy such as gestational diabetes or cancer may be a risk factor for birth injuries. It is very important to keep up your health during pregnancy, as your well being and lifestyle plays a role in birth.
Labor and Delivery Complications
Any type of complication during labor such as prolonged labor, asphyxia which is a loss of oxygen flow, dystocia which is a difficult delivery due to an awkward positioned fetus or a cervix that is unable to expand.
Medical Negligence
When a medical professional in charge of the birth process does not meet the high standard of care expected. Medical negligence can occur anytime during the process, before, during or even after birth.
Forms of medical negligence:
- Failure to act quickly in dangerous situations
- Failure to diagnose any apparent health conditions in both the baby and the mother
- Failure to monitor the mother or baby after childbirth
- Misuse of birthing tools
- Use of unnecessary force during childbirth
Common Types of Birth Injuries
Cerebral Palsy
A group of disorders that affect the brain’s control over muscles and the nervous system. It is caused by brain damage shortly before or during birth when there is oxygen deprivation, infections or genetic factors.
Brachial Plexus Injuries
Erb’s palsy is a brachial plexus injury that is caused by shoulder dystocia. The network of nerves that send signals from the spine to the shoulders, arms and hands may be damaged when pulling on a child during a difficult birth.
Facial Nerve Injuries
During birth, if the baby’s face faces any pressure, there is a possibility of facial nerve injuries. These injuries can lead to temporary and potentially permanent facial paralysis.
Jaundice
Jaundice is a very common type of condition that is caused by the buildup of bilirubin, leading to the baby’s skin and the whites of their eyes to become yellow. Most cases are harmless and easily treated with light therapy, but more severe cases may require blood transfusions.
A very rare form of brain damage caused by untreated jaundice in a newborn, is called kernicterus. High levels of bilirubin in the blood leads to toxic levels in the brain. After treatment, mild neurological issues and motor skills may exist.
Prevention and Risk Mitigation
The best way to have the safest and best pregnancy is to always have regular checkups. Medical professionals can monitor the health of your baby throughout your pregnancy to prevent any complications and manage any existing health issues.
Being informed about medical interventions during labor and their potential risks is important. Having open and honest communication with your doctor is crucial to making informed decisions for your baby.
Legal Action
Unfortunately, most birth injuries are caused because of medical negligence. These small mistakes that medical professionals make can cause lifelong damage to these newborns.
If your child’s birth injury was caused by medical negligence or malpractice, please contact an Augusta medical malpractice lawyer to hold people accountable for their actions. If you can prove your child’s injury was preventable, you may be able to receive compensation to cover all medical costs.
