The birth of your child should be an exciting, joyous occasion. Unfortunately, for all too many mothers, this day is filled with fear, uncertainty, and pain. When it comes to birth injuries, most people focus on the injuries to the baby, and while those can be extremely serious, if not fatal, the injuries to the mother can be just as severe or more so.
Maternal birth injuries can occur for any number of reasons if a medical professional or facility fails to provide a standard level of care. Whether that means a doctor makes a severe mistake or a hospital fails to follow proper protocol, these seemingly simple missteps can have life-altering repercussions.
Common types of maternal birth injuries may include:
Failure to Perform a C-Section: Performing a C-Section can be a life-saving procedure for both the mother and the child under certain circumstances. If the baby is in breech position, or if the fetal heart rate indicates he or she is in distress, for example, the doctor must act quickly to prevent a serious complication. When circumstances call for a C-Section, but the doctor fails to perform the necessary surgery, or does so too late, it can further complicate the birth process. Likewise, if a C-Section is performed incorrectly, the mother or baby might suffer infections, bleeding, and other complications.
Uterine Rupture: Sometimes the medicines used to help induce labor in pregnant women can cause serious negative side effects, such as a uterine rupture. Although rare, a uterine rupture can cause the baby to slip out of the mother’s torn uterus, which could cause the baby to suffocate and the mother to bleed.
Preeclampsia: Preeclampsia is a very serious risk in pregnant women, which is why doctors must monitor women closely for this condition and act promptly if they notice any symptoms. Failure to diagnose or treat preeclampsia can be life-threatening.
Epidural Mistakes: Epidurals must be performed very carefully, otherwise they could cause the mother severe nerve damage. Even after a successful epidural is performed, the medical staff must be extremely diligent in monitoring the mother to ensure she suffers no negative reactions to the medication. Also, it is important to monitor the mother’s pain medication intake to ensure she does not overdose.
Episiotomy: An episiotomy is a procedure where the doctor makes an incision to aid the mother in the delivery to prevent more severe tearing. However, if a doctor makes an incorrect incision, or if the incision becomes infected due to contamination, it can have serious consequences.
Determining the difference between a birth injury and a defect can be challenging, which is why it is always best to discuss your unique situation with an experienced attorney. Childbirth is an unpredictable process, which is why medical professionals need to be familiar with the mother’s medical history and vigilant in monitoring her health and that of her unborn child throughout the labor. Any negligence or carelessness can cause the mother to bleed dangerously, develop an infection, or experience any other number of dangerous, deadly complications.
If you believe you suffered a birth injury, or if your partner was harmed during the birth process due to medical malpractice, our firm is here to help.
Call (718) 866-3664 today to discuss your case with our attorneys at Law Office of David Kates.