Common mistakes during delivery that can cause birth injuries

On Behalf of | Jan 16, 2023 | Medical Malpractice

Giving birth is an amazing and life-changing experience for you and your baby. However, it can also be a risky and complicated process. Unfortunately, sometimes mistakes during delivery can lead to serious birth injuries for both mother and child. Read on to understand the risks and how to protect yourself and your baby during this critical time.

Here are some serious mistakes that may occur during childbirth:

Improper use of tools during delivery

One of the most serious mistakes during delivery is the failure to use specialized instruments properly. For instance, if a forceps or vacuum extractor is used incorrectly, it can cause skull fractures or brain injuries to the baby. Therefore, it’s essential to have a skilled and experienced practitioner who knows how to use these tools safely and effectively.

Failure to address cephalo-pelvic disproportion

This mistake occurs when the baby’s head is too large to fit through the mother’s pelvis. Not recognizing and addressing this can lead to serious injuries to the baby’s skull, brain and spine. Therefore, your healthcare provider must accurately assess the size and position of your baby during pregnancy and delivery and use appropriate interventions if necessary.

Failure to monitor the baby’s heart rate during labor

A low heart rate can indicate distress; if it goes unnoticed, it can lead to severe brain damage or even death. Therefore, your healthcare provider must be vigilant in monitoring your baby’s heart rate throughout labor and delivery and take appropriate actions if there are any concerns.

Failure to perform a timely Cesarean section

If your baby is in distress and a vaginal delivery is not safe, a C-section may be necessary to prevent serious injuries to the baby. Your healthcare provider should recognize the signs of fetal distress and takes immediate action to deliver your baby by C-section.

Understanding the common mistakes that can occur during delivery is crucial in ensuring the safety of both mother and child. Remember, having a skilled and experienced healthcare provider who can recognize and address potential problems during labor and delivery is crucial in preventing serious birth injuries. However, if the unfortunate happens and you or your baby get injured due to a mistake during delivery, you should consider seeking legal assistance.

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