The birth of a baby is usually a time for celebration. But for some moms and babies, events surrounding the birth can cause long-lasting and sometimes even life-long problems. It is difficult to think about birth trauma, but it may be even more difficult to realize that such trauma often could have been prevented. If you have a difficult birth, the following seven insights into birth trauma might help you decide whether to talk to an attorney.
#1. C-sections Can Contribute to Birth Trauma
Over 3,000,000 babies are born each year in the United States. Roughly one-third of these babies are born via C-section. Mothers and their doctors may choose C-section over a vaginal birth because the baby is in distress, the mom’s health is compromised, or even for convenience. Although it is major surgery, many people consider C-sections to be a safe alternative way to give birth. However, there is risk with any medical procedure, and birth is no exception.
#2. Both Mothers and Children Can Be Injured.
Most people might think of birth trauma in connection with vaginal births. However, it’s important to remember that both the mom and baby can be injured during birth no matter.
Sometimes babies are cut during a C-section or suffer head trauma when doctors use forceps or vacuum to assist in the birth. Anesthesia to the moms can be administered incorrectly, harming both mom and baby. More subtle problems like post-traumatic stress disorder and postpartum depression may be common after any kind of birth trauma.
#3. Babies May Be Injured by Misuse of Birthing Methods and Tools.
OB-gyn doctors, delivery nurses, and midwives often help a mother through labor. The most common birthing methods are natural childbirth, assisted childbirth, and C-section. At any point, a medical provider may use the wrong method, causing birth trauma for the mother and/or baby.
Also, birthing tools may be used to assist in difficult births. Unfortunately, tools like vacuum extraction and forceps carry the risk of injury. Babies especially may suffer head trauma when these tools, and others, are used incorrectly.
#4. Mothers May Be Injured Physically and Emotionally
Some births are naturally more difficult than others. Although they may mean well, medical providers sometimes make mistakes. For example, staff may fail to monitor a mother’s blood pressure until it’s too late and she has suffered a stroke.
And birth trauma does not just mean physical injuries. Mothers may be distressed by how medical staff handled her during delivery, and some studies show that difficult births can affect babies emotionally also.
#5. Mothers May Suffer Debilitating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Usually, any birth is an emotional experience. Unfortunately, many women who suffer traumatic births often need psychological treatment to recover from post-traumatic stress disorder, postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis. In fact, psychological problems after birth trauma may be more common than most people realize. Some studies show that as many as 17 percent of new moms suffer PTSD.
#6. Victims of Birth Trauma May Need Years of Treatment
Babies born during a difficult birth may suffer serious injuries, including:
- Brain injuries from oxygen deprivation;
- Head trauma from the use of forceps or vacuum extraction
- Cerebral palsy,
- Nerve damage, and
- Broken bones.
Mothers may suffer strokes that lead to paralysis or brain injury. Others may find they cannot have any more children because their reproductive system has been damaged beyond repair.
Some of these injuries do not just require a few years of treatment. Some are life-altering.
#7. Birth Trauma Can Result in Medical Malpractice or Wrongful Death Claims.
Some of the common mistakes doctors and nurses make during childbirth include:
- Using the wrong anesthesia,
- Failing to monitor the baby’s condition,
- Failing to monitor the mother’s condition,
- Ignoring signs that something is wrong,
- Using treatments or methods that break protocol,
- Errors committed during surgical procedures,
- Failing to diagnose serious congenital conditions.
When a medical provider – someone you trusted with your life and your baby’s life – harms you, you may be entitled to compensation.
Did You or Your Baby Suffer Unnecessary Birth Trauma?
At the Dailey Law Firm, P.C., our team of skilled lawyers and professionals provide sound and current legal representation that you need. Call us at 844-342-5353 to set up a free consultation or use the Contact Form on our website. There’s no fee for personal injury cases unless we win.
We represent clients throughout the entire United States. You can reach us online or visit one of our offices in Detroit, Michigan; Chicago, Illinois; or Valparaiso, Indiana.