Complications during pregnancy are very common in the United States. In 2008 alone, 94 percent of the 4.2 million deliveries involved an issue according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Pregnancy issues can affect both the mother and newborn and involve substantial costs on top of normal delivery stays. Typical hospital visits are longer with complications and fifty percent more expensive than a complication-free childbirth.
The CDC reported a dramatic increase in serious complications during childbirth, including heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure from 1998 to 2009. Although more than 94 percent of deliveries involved an issue, most of them were minor. However, in 2009, there was a 75 percent increase in severe complications from the previous decade.
A safe delivery is the goal of every mother but if there were complications due to physician negligence, we are on your side. Contact us for a free consultation. We want to hear your story and lend our help and guidance.
Common Birth Complications
1. Caput Succedaneum
A newborn’s scalp can receive excessive swelling due to a difficult head-first delivery. A child may have a bruised scalp caused by the pressure from vaginal walls. Usually, the bruising will clear up in a few days but the swelling may increase risk of infant jaundice. Untreated jaundice can lead to serious health issues. Physician care is crucial for proper treatment of this condition or your newborn can suffer long-term consequences.
2. Erb’s Palsy
Also known as brachial plexus birth palsy, babies suffer from nerve damage on their neck or shoulders. As a result, babies can develop weakness, numbness, or impairment from being stretched out during delivery. In two out of every 1,000 deliveries, a baby is affected by this injury. Babies who develop Erb’s palsy may need to attend treatment centers or have surgical procedures.
3. Meconium Aspiration
A baby can develop respiratory issues from the exposure of meconium (stool) in their amniotic fluid. The baby can aspirate this fluid during delivery. Problems can occur from the placenta or the umbilical cord while the baby is still in the uterus. The diminished ability to breath can cause cyanosis, limpness, and prolonged respiratory problems.
4. Umbilical Cord Prolapse
This complication happens when the umbilical cord drops through the cervix ahead of the baby. The cord can cause traffic issues during delivery and occurs frequently during child birth (one out of every three-hundred births). A doctor must make swift adjustments to prevent injury to the newborn by moving the fetus away from the cord.
Did Your Child Experience Birth Complications?
Healthcare professionals must follow adequate protocol for successful deliveries. If you feel you and your child were not properly taken care of and are suffering the consequences, contact our team for a free consultation. Medical malpractice is our expertise and we are here to provide expert guidance for you and your family.
