The birth of a baby should be an exciting and joyous experience, but sometimes, complications lead to infant injuries that can last a lifetime. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are around 6 million pregnancies throughout the United States every year. Among complications that can occur, StatPearls reports that birth trauma affects about 1.9 per 1,000 live births. When you think about the numbers, that is a lot.
If your baby recently sustained an injury during delivery, how do you know if it falls under medical malpractice? Often, it comes down to how your health care provider treats you. Here are three of the most common birth injuries that can result from the negligence of a physician.
1. Oxygen deprivation
While brain injuries can happen for several reasons, oxygen deprivation is a leading cause. One way a doctor can contribute to this kind of injury is by failing to recognize a drop in oxygen levels or the need to perform a cesarean section.
2. Fractures
Another common kind of birth injury is the fracturing of the clavicle or collarbone during a rough delivery. Sometimes, this happens because a physician pulls too hard when a baby is in the breech position.
3. Brachial palsy
When it comes to aggressive pulling, fractures are not the only type of injury to watch out for. It can also lead to shoulder dystocia which can result in permanent nerve damage.
Having a baby should be one of the most magical moments of your life, but if a birth injury has prevented that from happening, understanding what kinds of injuries fall under medical malpractice can you help you figure out how to proceed.