After months of anticipation and nurturing new life, giving birth is an emotional release. Unfortunately, errors made by healthcare professionals during childbirth can sometimes result in birth injuries, leaving lasting impacts.
These mistakes can transform what should be a celebration into a devastating experience. No one should have to endure such heartbreak on what should be one of life’s most beautiful days, yet we’ve encountered these tragedies all too often.
Birth Canal Extraction Errors
During delivery, medical interventions intended to assist in removing the baby from the birth canal can sometimes result in physical injuries like a fractured collarbone or other harm. Situations such as shoulder dystocia, in which the baby’s shoulders become stuck, require careful management, as improper handling or excessive force can lead to brachial plexus injuries. The baby’s delicate head is at risk of brain injury if excessive pressure is applied or tools like forceps are used incorrectly, causing serious damage.
Not Intervening in a Timely Manner
When complications occur, doctors need to act swiftly to safeguard both the baby and the mother. Delays can put them both at serious risk. For instance, signs of fetal distress require immediate efforts to restore the baby’s oxygen supply. This may include repositioning the mother and providing medication, fluids, or oxygen.
Failing to perform a medically necessary C-section without delay can amount to negligence, potentially leading to severe birth injuries. Complications like meconium aspiration syndrome also require prompt action to prevent harm to the baby’s lungs.
Giving Incorrect Medications
Certain medications are safe for treating pregnant women and those in labor. However, many drugs carry warning labels indicating they should not be used during pregnancy or labor. Some physicians may administer drugs that have not undergone proper testing or received approval for use in these situations. This practice can pose serious risks to both the mother and her unborn child. Errors in choosing or administering medications have the potential to cause avoidable birth injuries or, in some cases, devastating outcomes.
Using Unsuitable Medical Procedures
Physicians play a vital role in managing complex labor by closely monitoring the mother and child to determine whether surgical intervention is needed to ensure their safety. While there are additional methods to support a safe delivery, such measures must be used judiciously.
Improper or unnecessary use of tools like forceps or vacuum extraction can sometimes cause more harm than good. When medical professionals intervene inappropriately during the birth process, they risk initiating a series of unnecessary medical actions that might lead to preventable complications, such as birth injuries like Erb’s palsy.
Delay in Performing an Emergency C-Section
During labor and delivery, various injuries can happen to a baby. One common cause is failing to perform a cesarean section when it is medically necessary. Emergency inductions or cesarean deliveries might be required due to complications like placental issues, low amniotic fluid, or other warning signs of distress.
These conditions should be carefully monitored during prenatal care to ensure the safety of both the mother and child. If natural labor poses risks, induction or an emergency C-section may become essential.
Birth injuries can also occur if a C-section is performed negligently, resulting in harm to the baby, or due to medication errors, such as incorrect doses given to the mother. These examples highlight how medical errors involving cesarean deliveries can contribute to birth injuries.
Endnote
If you suspect that medical negligence caused your child’s birth injury, consult a birth injury attorney who can support you in seeking justice. Your child will require significant care, and having an experienced attorney by your side can help you understand your rights and guide you through every step of the process.
Image by Gabriel Tovar from Unsplash
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