Birth has historically been a vulnerable time for both mother and baby. Decades ago, it wasn’t uncommon for a mother or baby to die during childbirth. Today, enhanced medical care and technological advances have decreased this risk.
Unfortunately, some doctors and other health care professions still make mistakes that lead to birth injury or death today. Below are 3 of the most common:
1. Inadequate fetal monitoring
The professional organization for OB/GYN specialists recommends consistent fetal monitoring during active labor. Tracking an unborn baby’s heart rate can allow medical professionals to know immediately if something is not quite right with the baby.
When the medical team fails to use a heart rate monitor or fails to check it regularly during labor, critical signs that the baby is in distress are often missed. This can and does lead to serious injury including permanent brain damage.
2. Utilizing inappropriate interventions
Doctors may attempt to speed up labor for a variety of reasons, but this can be risky. For instance, a physician who opts to use forceps or administers certain high-risk medications can put the mother or baby’s health at risk.
3. Delayed intervention
An understaffed labor and delivery ward is a very dangerous place. When there aren’t enough nurses and doctors at the hospital to support a woman in active labor, a woman may not get help in a timely fashion. Cerebral palsy, physical injuries, herbs palsy and many other potentially life-altering medical conditions, for instance, could result from delayed care.
Fortunately, injured parties and their families have rights and can hold OB/GYN professionals and facilities responsible for medical mistakes. Reaching out to a legal professional on specifics of medical malpractice claims is advised.