No topic creates as much fear and frustration as an injury to a newborn. Part of this comes from knowing that a small problem at the start of life is likely to become more significant over time. Preventing birth injuries is a duty that parents take to heart when they hear they are expecting a child. This continues to grow and shape habits for months after the baby is born. Doctors also consider their duty to a mother and unborn child to be of the utmost importance. This makes the event of a birth injury more painful for everyone involved. Although parents can not control every situation that could result in an injury, they can do some things to minimize the risk of injury to their child.
Proper Prenatal Care
Doctors should perform various prenatal tests to assess the health of the mother and baby. Prenatal testing provides information about maternal conditions such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and infections. These tests also help doctors recognize various fetal issues, such as suboptimal positions (also called breech), umbilical cord problems, and heart rate abnormalities. If these complications are caught early and properly managed, it is often possible to avoid serious birth injuries. Doctors must recognize factors that make a pregnancy high-risk; women with high-risk pregnancies should receive more extensive prenatal care and monitoring.
Recognizing Signs of Fetal Distress
During pregnancy and delivery, doctors and nurses should monitor the mother and baby for signs of fetal distress, indicating the baby is likely deprived of oxygen. Signs of fetal distress include:
- Decreased fetal movement
- Abnormal fetal heart rate
- Abnormal amniotic fluid volume
- Vaginal bleeding
- Cramping
- Insufficient or excessive maternal weight gain
It is vital to watch for signs of distress during delivery. Among other things, this means monitoring the fetal heart rate. This can be accomplished through an external or internal fetal monitor. For most pregnancies, continuous heart rate monitoring is often necessary.
Recognizing When a C-Section is Necessary
There are certain circumstances where C-section deliveries are recommended or necessary. Some possible indications for C-section delivery include:
- Prolonged labor
- Macrosomia
- Placental abruption
- Uterine rupture
- Umbilical cord compression
- Maternal infection
- Fetal distress
Sometimes, doctors attempt to get the baby out using less invasive interventions first. However, this can lengthen the time a baby is exposed to risky conditions, so the risks of such actions should be weighed carefully. Drugs and tools are beneficial to help with delivery, but medical professionals must use them with caution. Moreover, they should be prepared to perform an emergency C-section if serious complications arise.
Contact The Snyder Law Group Today
The Snyder Law Group, LLC, proudly represents clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. Our experienced Baltimore attorneys understand the frustration that comes with an insurance company, medical professional, or other party that refuses to accept liability for negligent or reckless behavior. You can take heart in knowing there are talented and experienced lawyers ready to work for you. We are experienced in handling personal injury claims of medical malpractice or injury resulting from serious car and truck accidents, and have secured hundreds of millions in verdicts and settlements. Please visit our website, www.410thefirm.com, or call us at 410-843-3476, for more information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.