If your child was the victim of a birth injury, you might be wondering: was the harm to my baby inevitable? Unfortunately for those of us who have experienced them, a majority of common birth injuries are completely preventable. With proper care and attention, a doctor can dramatically reduce the risk of harm to your baby. Here are some of the fundamentals of birth injury prevention.
A majority of birth injuries are preventable. Here’s how doctors can keep them from happening.
Regular Prenatal Care
A safe delivery for both the baby and the mother begins with proper prenatal care. Your doctor should meet with you regularly and perform a few tests. A few of the most commonly performed tests during prenatal care include ultrasound scans, AFP screening, and amniocentesis.
There are countless reasons why these tests are necessary, including to detect any genetic disorders prior to birth. But they also play a pivotal role in birth injury prevention. Numerous birth injuries can be prevented just by an ultrasound and ordering a c-section. By taking note of such risk factors as a breech position or complications with the umbilical cord, doctors can reduce the risk of birth injuries.
Monitoring for Fetal Distress
The next component of birth injury prevention is monitoring for fetal distress. This is important throughout the pregnancy, but especially so in the months preceding and during childbirth. When a doctor determines that the fetus is in distress, this frequently indicates insufficient access to oxygen.
Here are some signs of fetal distress doctors should take note of:
- Unusual volume of amniotic fluid
- Lack of movement in the fetus
- Atypical heart rate
- Maternal cramping or bleeding
All of these signs indicate that the fetus is in distress and may experience irreversible damage. Your doctor should take appropriate action immediately.
Ordering a C-Section When Necessary
A competent and responsible doctor will recognize the signs that a vaginal delivery puts the baby at risk. In this case, the proper course of action almost always takes the form of a c-section. Beyond a doubt, c-sections are one of the most effective components of birth injury prevention.
When vaginal delivery becomes difficult, a doctor may have to rely on tools to assist in the delivery process. Additionally, the baby may not receive the oxygen they need to thrive. Both of these cause the risk of birth injury to skyrocket. A c-section can circumvent these complications, resulting in a far quicker and safer delivery.
Contact The Snyder Law Group Today
The Snyder Law Group, LLC, proudly represents clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. Our experienced Baltimore attorneys understand the frustration that comes with an insurance company, medical professional, or other party that refuses to accept liability for negligent or reckless behavior. You can take heart in knowing there are talented and experienced lawyers ready to work for you. We are experienced in handling personal injury claims of medical malpractice or injury resulting from serious car and truck accidents, and have secured hundreds of millions in verdicts and settlements. Please visit our website, www.410thefirm.com, or call us at 410-843-3476, for more information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
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