3 Things That Can Go Wrong During Childbirth That May Warrant A Medical Malpractice Claim

Most people are fairly familiar with what medical malpractice means and even the stipulations that must be met before a medical malpractice claim can be filed. However, when it comes to birth injuries and injuries during childbirth, there is a lot of confusion around what actually constitutes medical malpractice.

Without question, childbirth is one of the most emotional and trying medical events in a woman's life, but medical professionals have an obligation to follow procedures to the letter to keep a mother and her child safe. Unfortunately, there are times when things go wrong. Here is a brief look at a few of the things that can go wrong during childbirth that may warrant a medical malpractice claim. 

Oxygen Deprivation of the Baby 

If a baby is in distress when a mother is in labor, and it prevents the baby from getting enough oxygen through the umbilical cord, the doctors should make a decision to go with a c-section so the baby can survive. If the signs of fetal distress are not caught in time because the staff is not paying close enough attention to properly monitor the situation, the baby can have severe impairments or even die before it is delivered. Failure to act in this kind of situation could potentially be enough to warrant a medical malpractice claim. You should certainly talk to a lawyer, like those at Blazef -Horner Anica Law Office of, to find out.

Fetal Fractures During Delivery 

There are some cases when fetal fractures are practically unavoidable during childbirth. For example, if a baby becomes lodged in the birth canal and is at risk of oxygen deprivation, the doctor may have to use forceps or their own hands to reach inside the mother and deliver the infant. Collarbone fractures are a common example of fetal fractures that can occur in these kinds of situations. However common these fractures may be, sometimes they can be avoided. If the practitioner chose not to do a c-section even though there were risks that the baby could become lodged, they could be held responsible in a medical malpractice claim. 

Severe Blood Loss of the Mother

There is naturally a fair amount of blood loss during labor and delivery, but the levels of blood loss should be carefully monitored by the staff. If a mother is found to be losing too much blood, transfusions must be given and hemorrhages must be stopped to keep the mother okay. In the event blood loss is not monitored and the mother does not get transfusions when they are needed, it can cause severe health concerns and even death. 


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