There are common complications that can occur during the birthing process that can leave mothers and their infants suffering serious injuries.   

For expectant parents, labor and delivery is something that is looked forward to with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. While going through the birth process means that you will finally be able to meet your baby face to face, it also requires extensive work on the part of both the mother and the infant. A failure to properly monitor both during this time or to provide the appropriate interventions could result in serious complications, including birth injuries. The following highlights some of the most common types of complications and how they can impact you and your baby.

Complications During the Birthing Process

Giving birth is a natural function of a woman’s body, but careful monitoring is required to prevent any problems or issues from arising during the process. Both mother and baby work hard during this time and medical providers on hand should be watching closely, ready to take any preventative steps or interventions as needed.

At the Eisen Law Firm, we represent families in situations where the mother or infant suffered harm during the birthing process. Common types of birthing complications which can arise include:

• Failure to progress: This is when delivery takes longer than expected and can put a strain on both the mother and the infant.
• Rapid labor: This is when the birthing process progresses too quickly and can result in excessive vaginal tearing or other complications in the mother as well as birth injuries to the infant.
• Fetal distress: Careful monitoring is required to prevent the infant from suffering an irregular heartbeat, a lack of oxygen, or other serious complications which can impact their health.
• Problems with the umbilical cord: When the umbilical cord is pinched or wraps around the infant’s neck, it can restrict the flow of blood and oxygen.
• Problems with the placenta: This provides the blood and nourishment your infant needs to survive. Problems with the placenta during delivery can endanger your infant and put the mother at risk for excessive blood loss.
• Problems with the infant’s position in the birth canal: When the infant presents for birth in an unusual or unplanned position, it can result in serious head or shoulder injuries and nerve damage.

When Birthing Complications Result in Serious Injuries

Birthing complications can put the health of both the mother and the infant in jeopardy. Sadly, in most of these cases, complications could have been avoided or their impacts minimized. Medical providers can be held liable for not properly monitoring the situation both during pregnancy and throughout the birthing process or failing to take the appropriate medical precautions.

When birthing complications leave you or your child with serious injuries, it is important to speak with an experienced birth injury attorney. You may be entitled to compensation for the medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs you incur, as well as for the pain and suffering birth complications cause for your and other family members.