When a woman is pregnant, she trusts that her health care provider will do everything possible to keep her and the baby safe. As part of this trust, she expects that her doctor will properly diagnose and treat any complications that may arise during the pregnancy. If a doctor fails to diagnose a condition during pregnancy, delivery, or shortly after birth, it may result in life-altering birth injuries to the child. Conditions that are commonly not diagnosed include:
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes causes high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. It typically doesn’t appear until the middle of pregnancy and doctors should screen for the condition around the 24thweek. If gestational diabetes is not diagnosed and treated it can lead to an abnormally large baby. Larger babies have trouble making their way through the birth canal and are at high risk of developing brachial plexus birth injuries.
Maternal Infections
Sometimes during pregnancy, a mother will develop an infection that may be harmful to the baby. Infections like Hepatitis B, toxoplasmosis, group B strep, and even chicken pox can lead to serious health problems and possible birth injuries if they are not diagnosed early and treated properly.
Breech Position
A breech position occurs when a baby descends through the birth canal feet or buttocks first. If a breech position is not discovered and acted upon quickly, there can be serious complications or even death. Risks include a lack of oxygen and blood flow to the baby which can result in brain injury and birth injuries such as cerebral palsy.
Large Infant
If a doctor is not aware that an infant is larger than average, he or she may attempt a vaginal delivery. Larger babies are at risk for shoulder dystocia which is when a baby’s head is delivered, but the shoulders are stuck inside the birth canal. This can result in brachial plexus injuries such as Erb’s palsy.
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication where a woman develops high blood pressure and protein in her urine. Mothers should have their blood pressure checked regularly, and their urine checked for protein. If left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to the death of the mother or the baby.
Fetal Distress
Labor and delivery can be stressful for the mother and the baby. During contractions, a baby is squeezed tightly in the uterus. Doctors and nurses must closely monitor the baby’s heartbeat to ensure that there are no signs of distress. If a baby is in distress, the doctor should quickly perform a caesarian section. Failing to monitor the baby properly and diagnose fetal distress can lead to serious birth injuries resulting from a lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain.
Contact an Experienced Attorney
If your child has sustained a birth injury, you should have an experienced attorney evaluate your case. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have over 50 years of experience helping New Yorkers dealing with the heartache of birth injuries. Contact us onlineor call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.