Birth injuries can have a lasting impact on the child and the family. The consequences can be devastating when healthcare professionals fail to provide the necessary care during pregnancy, labor, or delivery.
What Are Common Causes of Birth Injuries in OKC?
Birth injuries can occur for various reasons, ranging from natural complications to medical negligence. Here are some common causes of birth injuries:
- Prolonged or difficult labor: A long or difficult labor can put stress on both the mother and the baby, increasing the risk of birth injuries. This can result from factors such as a large baby, an abnormal presentation (e.g., breech), or a small birth canal.
- Oxygen deprivation: If a baby's oxygen supply is disrupted during labor or delivery, it can lead to brain damage and conditions like cerebral palsy, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), or intellectual disabilities. Causes of oxygen deprivation can include umbilical cord problems, placental abruption, or uterine rupture.
- Premature birth: Babies born before 37 weeks of gestation are at a higher risk of birth injuries due to their underdeveloped organs and systems. Premature babies may suffer from respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, or necrotizing enterocolitis, among other complications.
- Forceps or vacuum-assisted delivery: The use of forceps or a vacuum extractor can help deliver a baby when there are complications, but improper use of these tools can cause injuries such as skull fractures, nerve damage, or facial paralysis.
- Failure to monitor fetal distress: Medical professionals must closely monitor the baby's vital signs during labor and delivery. Failing to recognize and address signs of fetal distress, such as an abnormal heart rate, can lead to birth injuries.
- Induced labor complications: Inducing labor with medications like Pitocin can cause strong contractions that place stress on the baby, potentially resulting in birth injuries.
- Infections: If a pregnant woman has an untreated infection, it can be transmitted to the baby during pregnancy or birth, leading to complications such as meningitis, sepsis, or pneumonia.
- Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD): CPD occurs when the baby's head is too large to pass through the mother's pelvis. This can result in prolonged labor and increase the risk of birth injuries.
- Medical negligence: In some cases, birth injuries are the result of mistakes made by medical professionals during prenatal care, labor, or delivery. Examples of negligence include failing to diagnose a maternal or fetal condition, incorrect use of delivery tools, or improper handling of a newborn.
