A birth injury is different from a birth defect. A birth defect is a health condition that your baby has based on the child’s DNA. Some examples of birth defects include Down Syndrome, a heart murmur, or other health problems resulting from the structure of the child’s DNA. A birth injury is a health issue that happens when the infant is born. In most cases, a birth injury is completely preventable with the current advances in medical standards. Most preventable birth injuries are caused by the result of:
- Not handling tools associated with assisting the birth, such as forceps or a vacuum extraction tool
- Pulling and twisting the baby improperly during delivery
- Prescribing the wrong medication during pregnancy and labor
- The doctor failed to monitor the infant for distress, including fetal heartbeat
HEALTHCARE NEGLIGENCE
These days pregnancies are planned months in advance with multiple backup options in case the baby arrives early or late. Doctors are also able to induce pregnancy to streamline the process even more. Even with a complicated delivery, an experienced doctor should be able to avoid complications that would lead to a birth injury. Nurses and doctors are trained to properly read ultrasounds and other imaging technology which can help prevent birth injury by being aware of additional factors.
Healthcare professionals should be constantly aware of the baby’s growth and position throughout the last trimester of the pregnancy when it is most important. Medical negligence can encompass a wide range of decisions including the doctor not performing the correct tests, not foreseeing birth defects or problems with a baby’s health, or not informing the parents of a condition which is called wrongful birth.
RESULT OF NEGLIGENCE
If you have any suspicion that your doctor didn’t do something correctly during the birth, then it is important to track your child’s development and any symptoms that occur. Once you have some information, you should see a doctor immediately because some birth injuries can be treated to decrease the long-term effects on the infant’s life. Cerebral Palsy is a well-known birth injury that results from the baby not getting enough oxygen during delivery. CP can mean a lifetime of health problems and disabilities that will last the child’s lifetime. Other injuries can include dislocated shoulders, emotional or cognitive impairment, and osteoarthritis, along with other medical issues.
Get help from an experienced medical malpractice attorney as soon as you become aware of the injury. Call the Spector Injury & Accident Lawyers today!
