The thought of birth injuries terrifies many expectant parents. They worry that the child will have injuries that last a lifetime and do everything they can to prevent them. However, they must also count on medical professionals to do the same. How can a medical professional prevent these injuries?
Prenatal Care and Testing
Thanks to medical advances, doctors can now do more to save and treat babies when problems are detected in the womb. Prenatal testing often detects these problems before they can be seen on an ultrasound, and the tests let the doctors know how the mother and baby are doing. They can be used to identify gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and other dangerous conditions. If a doctor fails to detect these conditions, the parents might need to seek help from an attorney.
Testing can provide information about the baby’s health and well-being. A test can determine if there is a problem with the umbilical cord, heart rate abnormalities, and more. Testing can also determine the baby’s positioning. If problems are detected, steps can be taken to prevent serious injuries. However, if the doctor fails to detect something they should have, the child may need lifelong care, and the attorney can seek compensation to ensure the responsible parties pay for this care.
Ongoing Training
As mentioned, medical advances are seen every day. Doctors must continuously undergo training to ensure they are aware of these advances and what to do in various situations to protect the health of the mother and baby. With this training, doctors can provide patients with better outcomes. This training helps prevent negligence and medical malpractice lawsuits. Doctors make fewer mistakes when they know the latest treatments, tools, and techniques to avoid birth injuries.
Sadly, inadequate training plays a role in some birth injuries. This lack of training leads to lawsuits, as medical professionals should be held responsible for their actions. The attorney should provide compensation for their medical negligence and malpractice.
Signs of Fetal Distress
Oxygen deprivation can lead to cerebral palsy. When a fetus doesn’t get the proper amount of oxygen to the brain, fetal distress is often the cause. This condition can have devastating effects on the child’s life and may shorten their lifespan. How can medical professionals detect oxygen deprivation? What signs should they be looking for?
Cramping, vaginal bleeding, and insufficient or excessive weight gain by the mother are external signs the fetus may be in distress. However, the doctor must also monitor the mother for decreased fetal movement or an abnormal heart rate in the baby. They also need to routinely check the amniotic fluid volume to ensure it is sufficient.
These problems may be detected as a routine prenatal checkup. However, the doctor must continue monitoring the mother throughout the pregnancy to ensure complications don’t arise as it progresses. A final check should also be done before delivery to catch any problems that could complicate the delivery or harm the child.
When is a C-Section Needed?
Mothers should listen to their doctors when they recommend c-sections. A maternal infection, umbilical cord issue, or prolonged labor could lead to the need for this procedure. The doctor may also recommend a c-section when the mother is at risk of uterine rupture or the fetus is in distress. Doctors only recommend this procedure when it will benefit the mother and baby.
Birth injuries often have devastating consequences. Medical professionals work to minimize the risks and protect both mother and baby. When they fail in this duty, they should be held accountable. Parents who believe their child was injured due to negligence or malpractice should speak with an attorney to learn how to proceed with seeking compensation for their child’s care and well-being so the child can have the highest quality of life.
