While it is an exciting and happy time, most expectant mothers don’t anticipate that labor will be easy. Some minor injuries are unavoidable and a natural part of having a baby. However, some injuries are caused or worsened when doctors or midwives make mistakes during a woman’s pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Traumatic childbirth injuries can have a serious physical and psychological impact on a mother.
Rectovaginal Fistula and Incontinence
Most women suffer minor tears to the perineum as it stretches when the baby is born. These tears usually heal shortly after childbirth. However, more serious tears can extend to the vulva and the muscles of the anus. These require more extensive repair, take longer to heal, and sometimes have long-term effects.
Doctors and midwives should be mindful of the risk factors such as it being a first baby, the existence of shoulder dystocia, a large baby, an induced labor, or the use of assistive devices life forceps. These factors can lead to serious tears during childbirth and doctors take any appropriate steps to prevent them from occurring.
If you suffer a tear during delivery, your healthcare provider should identify it, recognize the degree of the tear, and promptly manage the tear. A failure to do so could constitute malpractice. Serious tears that are not identified and properly treated can lead to serious pain and possible long-term consequences including rectovaginal fistula and incontinence.
Pulmonary Embolism
When recovering from a caesarian section, a mother may be prone to life-threatening blood clots. If a blood clot becomes dislodged and travels to the mother’s lungs, the consequences can be deadly. Medical professionals should be aware of the risk factors for blood clots and the symptoms of a pulmonary embolism so that blood thinners can be given quickly. Tennis star Serena Williams experienced a brush with death when her doctors failed to initially recognize her symptoms of a pulmonary embolism.
Postpartum Hemorrhage
Women typically experience some blood loss after delivery and bleeding is normal for up to 6 weeks. However, some mothers experience abnormally heavy bleeding which can be extremely dangerous. This is called post-partum hemorrhage (PPH). Primary PPH occurs within 24 hours after delivery, and secondary PPH can occur up to 6 weeks after the baby is born. Medical professionals are trained to look for the warning signs and risk factors that could lead to hemorrhage. If hemorrhage does occur, it must be treated quickly, or the results can be deadly. Doctors and midwives should take the necessary to steps to treat a hemorrhage or prevent one altogether. A failure to do so could be medical negligence.
Contact an Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you suffered traumatic childbirth, it might be the result of medical malpractice, and you should consult with an attorney. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have over 50 years of experience helping New Yorkers injured by medical malpractice. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.