Types and Causes of Childbirth Injuries by Mark Dacanay

Childbirth is a very special moment for would-be parents. That is why a lot of preparations are taken to make sure that everything goes as well as it should when the time comes to meet their new son or daughter.

Unfortunately, all the preparations can be for naught if you are faced with negligent medical professionals.

Childbirths are very risky for both the mother and the child. In fact 9.5% of all medical malpractice suits in the country involve misdiagnosis of problems during childbirth.

A misdiagnosis can lead to complications that in turn could lead to childbirth injuries.

The most common childbirth injuries are:

• Bruising, lacerations and forceps mark – Forceps are often used during childbirth especially for caesarian deliveries. These can leave temporary marks and bruises on the infant’s head and face. Other instruments may also cause wounds on the child that may need immediate treatment of antibiotics.

• Fractures – The most common fracture during childbirth is a broken collarbone. This usually happens when the baby is in a breech position. The pressure on the collarbone while getting the shoulder out may be too much and break the infant’s bone.

• Cerebral Palsy – This refers to a group of disorders that is a result of damage to the child’s brain that can be caused by injuries during childbirth. Symptoms include lack of muscle coordination, stiff muscles, difficulty in swallowing, and exaggerated reflexes. This injury is not curable, although management of symptoms can improve the patient’s quality of life.

• Erb’s Palsy – Also called brachial plexus palsy, this refers to paralysis of the arms due to injuries to the nerve network of the infant. Symptoms include limp arms, lack of muscle control in the arms, hands and wrists, and lack of sensation in the infant’s arms.

If the childbirth injury is caused by the care of medical professionals (doctors, nurses, etc.) that fall below acceptable standards, then that may be a cause for a medical malpractice suit.

The most common mistakes committed by doctors and nurses that leads to childbirth injuries are:

• Not able to perform adequate prenatal testing

• Not able to properly monitor the pregnancy

• Not able to take the size and weight of the baby into account

• Not able to detect or act upon signs of fetal distress

• Applying the wrong technique for the delivery

• Prescribing the wrong medicine or not prescribing necessary medications to either the mother, the child or both

A childbirth injury is very devastating for any parent. They have waited for almost nine months to bond with their new child only to be dampened by injuries to the child or the mother as a result of the neglectful care of the attending doctors and nurses.

Not to mention the additional medical bills and expenses related to treating the said childbirth injuries, especially for major injuries that will need long-term care like cerebral palsy.

That is why the victims should consult with a childbirth injury attorney to know if they can file charges of medical malpractice against the involved medical professionals.

About The Author

Our professional personal injury lawyers specialize in vehicle accidents, slip and fall and child birth injuries. For consultation, log on to our website at http://askaccidentlawyers.com/ and avail of our free case evaluation.

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