Birth Injuries Can Be Prevented: What Parents Need to Know

Some of the most tragic cases we work with at Martin & Jones involve injuries that occur shortly before or during the birthing process. A child or mother injured during this critical time can be forced to deal with debilitating harm, often because of mistakes that could have been avoided if someone had only done their job properly.

Parents need to know that birth injuries can be prevented in many cases. This understanding can help make care choices and maintain awareness during the birthing process. Knowledge can also help parents recognize when they need to consult an attorney about legal action to recover resources to meet the family’s future needs.

Care During Pregnancy

The health of the mother and baby can be compromised when doctors fail to assess risk factors during pregnancy. It is important to take blood samples at appropriate intervals to screen for evidence of nutritional deficiencies, gestational diabetes, and other conditions. Blood pressure that is either too high or too low also poses a health risk that should be addressed. Other conditions, such as infections, need to be appropriately addressed. When caregivers fail to monitor signs and take corrective action during prenatal visits, their negligence can lead to birth injuries with serious and even fatal consequences.

To protect both mother and child, it is important to have regular prenatal checkups and to follow medical instructions. If a concern arises and doctors don’t seem to be taking it seriously, consider getting a second opinion.

Monitoring is Crucial

It is impossible to overstate the importance of monitoring the condition of the mother and baby while a mother is in labor. Factors to be watched closely include:

• Fetal heart rate
• Fetal heart rhythm
• Amniotic fluid levels and color
• Frequency and duration of contractions
• Mother’s blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate
• Signs of swelling in the mother
• Position of the baby

Doctors and nurses should regularly check electronic monitors and also evaluate visual signs. An experienced medical professional should know the signs of distress and be prepared to act. However, a moment of inattention or lack of understanding about problem signs can allow dangerous conditions to go unrecognized and untreated. A critical sign might also be missed if equipment fails or is not operated properly.

Parents can help protect themselves and their child by talking to medical professionals before labor begins so they know what to expect and when additional monitoring may be necessary. Don’t be afraid to ask if you don’t understand or to point out a concern that arises. Parents need to be prepared to advocate for themselves and the child. It is critical to monitor the baby’s heart rate closely, even if there have been no prior warning signs of a potential problem.

Failure to Respond Promptly and Properly to Signs of Trouble

Many birth injuries occur because someone failed to recognize a problem. But many also occur even when a nurse or other professional has observed a cause for concern. It is essential for doctors to take prompt, appropriate action when signs of distress are observed. Unfortunately, delivery room professionals often delay taking action or take inappropriate actions.

Response measures can vary in intensity and invasiveness. Sometimes, simply moving the mother onto her left side can increase blood flow to the uterus sufficiently to alleviate problems. Administering fluids via IV improves hydration and can raise blood pressure, delivering more oxygen to the baby. The baby’s oxygen supply can also be increased by providing oxygen to the mother through a mask.

If doctors are administering oxytocin to stimulate labor, discontinuing the medication can be crucial to prevent harm. It may be advisable to give tocolytics or similar medications to slow the progress of labor.

When problems are caused by compression in the umbilical cord, infusing fluid into the amniotic sac can provide additional cushioning and relieve compression.

If intervention through these types of measures is not sufficient, then doctors may need to move forward with plans for an emergency delivery through a cesarean section or delivery assistance, such as the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor. When doctors delay in taking action, make a choice that goes against reasonable recommendations, or intervene without adequate skill, they should be held liable for the harm caused by their malpractice.

Preventable Injuries

The birthing process is stressful for mother and child, so in some cases, injuries may be unavoidable. Most of the time, these injuries are mild and a full recovery is possible. But in some cases, the damage can be lasting and devastating.

Injuries that lead to long-term consequences for the baby include:

• Intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain)
• Brachial plexus injuries leading to Erb’s palsy
• Skull fractures
• Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, which can lead to cerebral palsy  
• Broken bones
• Damage to the liver, spleen, and other internal organs
• Spinal cord injuries
• Deviated septum or other nose injuries

The trauma of childbirth can also cause injuries to the mother’s pelvic organs. When proper care is not taken during the delivery, a mother can suffer long-term effects such as incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, dyspareunia, and hemorrhages, which can be life-threatening.

When Injuries Could Have Been Prevented but Were Not, Martin & Jones Helps Families Recover

Even when parents do all they can to provide for a safe pregnancy and birth, the negligence of a medical professional can cause serious injuries. These injuries often have long-term effects that require costly medical care and create other needs for the family. They can also significantly reduce the quality of life.

When birth injuries should have been prevented but were not, the knowledgeable team at Martin & Jones works effectively to recover compensation for suffering, medical expenses, and other losses so that the family is prepared to move forward to a positive future. For a free, confidential consultation to learn how we may be able to help in your situation, call us at 800-662-1234 or contact us online now.