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Delivery delays can cause birth injuries

On Behalf of | Dec 8, 2022 | Medical Malpractice |

It’s not uncommon for mothers to experience long deliveries. The reason for such experiences is not always apparent. However, not all overdue pregnancies and long deliveries are cause for alarm. A long delivery can be a successful birth with proper monitoring by a doctor. Unfortunately, some doctors can overlook the underlying cause of delayed delivery, which can cause birth injuries.

Here are some common birth injuries that may result from delayed delivery.

Birth asphyxia 

This type of birth injury may result when the baby’s brain doesn’t receive oxygen during or when nearing the time of birth. However, birth asphyxia can be prevented by carefully monitoring the baby and acting fast at the first signs of distress. Sometimes, this injury can be caused by conditions such as a prolapsed umbilical cord, but a doctor can diagnose them early through careful monitoring. 

Cerebral palsy

Delayed delivery can put an unborn child at risk of developing cerebral palsy. When a mother experiences prolonged labor but the child has moved to the birth canal, the doctor can decide to use some instruments to pull the baby. Unfortunately, the use of vacuum extractors and forceps may damage the baby’s skull if excessive force is used. This may cause brain damage and lead to cerebral palsy. 

Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)

This type of birth injury may happen when a baby doesn’t get enough oxygen in the blood, and the fetus experiences decreased blood flow to the brain. This type of injury can cause permanent brain damage. The damage can become more severe if the baby is deprived of oxygen for a long time. 

HIE can cause serious long-term conditions such as developmental delays, seizure disorders and learning disabilities.

If your baby is diagnosed with a birth injury due to delayed delivery, it means it may require extensive care. While such news may make you feel hopeless, it’s important to remember that the birth injury could have been avoided. Therefore, consider seeking legal advice when filing a malpractice birth injury case.