Blog: Birth Injury
- Umbilical Cord Accidents and Medical Negligence
Jan 11, 2016
An umbilical cord accident disrupts blood flow through the cord to an unborn baby’s body. A cord-related accident is rare, but it is one of the causes of stillbirth and must be treated with immediate attention. Medical staff must act quickly to recognize and remedy conditions during labor or delivery to prevent harm to a newborn. A delay in action or failure to act may be considered medical negligence. An umbilical cord accident may involve: A knotted or...Read More - Macrosomic Complications Resulting in Birth Injuries
Jan 11, 2016
When diagnosed and treated appropriately, a macrosomic infant – one that weighs more than eight pounds, 15 ounces – can be delivered without problems. Failure to take appropriate action may result in macrosomic complications and lifelong consequences to both the mother and child. Macrosomic complications for the mother may include: Lacerations of the birth canal Uterine atony, which can cause serious bleeding after delivery Uterine rupture along the scar from a prior cesarean delivery Urinary or fecal incontinence For the newborn,...Read More - Lack of Oxygen at Birth
Dec 18, 2015
Depriving a baby of oxygen before, during or after delivery can be deadly or result in permanent brain injury. Brain cells begin to die within minutes of oxygen deprivation, so it’s imperative that hospital staff quickly identify signs that a baby is not getting enough oxygen. Lack of oxygen at birth can be caused by: Umbilical cord compression Prolapsed umbilical cord Umbilical cord around neck Sedation of the mother Problems with the placenta Long or difficult delivery Anoxia and Hypoxia Perinatal hypoxia occurs when...Read More - Causes of Stillbirth Related to Medical Malpractice
Dec 17, 2015
Many causes of stillbirth cannot be explained, but some are accompanied by clear patterns of fetal distress – the kind a physician should be able to recognize and respond to. Unfortunately, the necessary response can come too late. It’s unacceptable when a mother is ignored and she and her baby suffer the consequences, especially when an emergency Caesarian delivery or other action could have been taken. Stopping this Situation from Happening to Another Parent You deserve to know...Read More - Understanding Fetal Distress
Dec 7, 2015
Fetal distress refers to the signs before and during childbirth indicating that a fetus is unwell. It is an uncommon complication of labor, typically occuring when the fetus has not been receiving enough oxygen. Fetal distress may occur when a pregnancy lasts too long or if there are complications during pregnancy or labor. Indications of fetal distress during delivery may include: Prolonged or difficult labor Perinatal hypoxia Umbilical cord problems such as a compressed or prolapsed cord Shoulder dystocia Abnormal electronic...Read More - Know the Risk: Questions to Ask about Shoulder Dystocia
Nov 9, 2015
Obstetricians must act quickly when a baby is suffering from shoulder dystocia – meaning his or her shoulder is stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone during delivery. Too much pressure or pulling too hard can tear a newborn’s brachial plexus nerves and cause lifelong issues. Shoulder dystocia can occur when a large infant, called a macrosomic baby, is too big to deliver normally. There are many risk factors for fetal macrosomia, including an overdue pregnancy, maternal...Read More