Although the arrival of a child is a wonderful experience, the delivery and labor can be extremely stressful. Even when doctors do everything correctly, there are plenty of things that can go wrong during labor and the actual delivery.The risk of harm to the child can increase exponentially with the slightest mistake which is why medical staff are fully responsible for their actions throughout the birth process. Below are few of the most common medical mistakes that cause birth injuries.
Improper Prenatal Care
There are numerous tests and examinations that doctors conduct throughout pregnancy to ensure the health of the mother and unborn infant. These tests and examinations are preemptive steps that can help prevent numerous birth injuries. Prenatal medical mistakes involving child positioning, cesarean section (C-section) execution, and attention to pre-existing conditions are known for causing irreversible illnesses and conditions. When doctors neglect prenatal care, the unborn child could endure life-altering harm that could have been prevented.
Failure Addressing a Child or Mother’s Distress
During labor, the mother and the baby have a chance of becoming distressed due to heart rate changes and low oxygen levels. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the medical staff to monitor these vital signs carefully and react swiftly if there are any issues. Cerebral palsy is just one of the many permanent medical conditions that can result from the deprivation of oxygen for an extended period.
Improper Delivery Methods
There are also times when a baby may have issues coming through the birth canal. In these situations, a doctor has a few methods he or she can use to help move the delivery along safely. They commonly use vacuums and forceps in these situations, but they must do so carefully to avoid injury to the baby. The doctor must also be gentle as twisting and pulling the baby roughly can cause birth injuries as well.
Failure To Order A Cesarean Section
An OB-GYN or obstetrician-gynecologist should always be the one to make the call if a cesarean section is needed. This can happen early on in the pregnancy or during the delivery due to an emergency situation. A doctor who fails to order a C-section at the right time could inflict preventable injuries to the child.
If you believe medical malpractice played a role in your child suffering a birth injury, you have the right to pursue legal action. The seasoned medical malpractice attorneys at Michigan Legal Center have experience representing the afflicted and can make you aware of your legal options going forward. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.