Causes of Birth Injuries

Birth complications are more common than one might think. Sadly, many birth complications can lead to injuries. Learn more about the birth complications and other factors that lead to birth injury. The following discusses common birth injury causes and how they occur.

Common Causes of Birth Injuries

There are many things that can cause birth injury. Some of the most common causes of birth injury would include fetal distress, breech birth and a condition called shoulder dystocia. Shoulder dystocia occurs when a baby's head and shoulder bet stuck beyond their mother's pubic bone.

There are many other pregnancy and birth complications that can cause birth injury as well. For instance, some things that occur during delivery would include oxygen deprivation or a bump or compression of the baby's head. These things can cause a brain injury that leads to cerebral palsy or other complications. Head injury can also occur while the baby is still in their mother's womb if there is a car accident or fall.

Birth Injuries and Doctor Negligence

In many cases birth injury can occur as the direct result of medical negligence. A doctor may not run standard tests that would screen for preventable complications. They may fail to diagnose or treat problems that may affect a baby's growth or development. They may fail to properly address birth complications that arise or fail to screen the fetus for stress during labor. All of these failures can lead to a birth injury that can cause temporary or life-long problems for both the mother and baby.

Birth Injuries and Medical Equipment

Another thing that can cause birth injury is improper use of medical equipment. Often, doctors use things like forceps or a vacuum to assist a mother during a complicated delivery. If these tools are used incorrectly, they can cause birth injury. In some cases these birth injures are minor in other they are severe and life altering.

Consult a Birth Injury Lawyer

If you suspect that medical negligence contributed to your child's birth injury, we encourage you to take a moment to get in touch with an experienced birth injury lawyer. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your child's injuries. A birth injury attorney can review your case to determine its validity.