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What You Need to Know About Birth Injuries

Pregnancy can be a joyful time for soon-to-be parents, but it can also be a time that’s filled with anxiety and apprehension. First-time parents, in particular, can be unsure what to expect and how to adjust to their new arrival. Fortunately, there is an increasing number of resources to help both moms and dads prepare themselves for parenthood.

However, one potential aspect of pregnancy and childbirth that is rarely mentioned is the possibility of your baby sustaining a birth injury. Although no-one wants to consider the possibility of their child being harmed, birth injuries aren’t as uncommon as you might think. Due to this, it’s important that expectant parents are aware of the risks.

What Are Birth Injuries?

Birth injuries occur during childbirth and the term is typically used to refer to injuries to the baby, although a mother can sustain injuries during labor too. When an infant experiences birth injuries there can be a variety of causes. In some instances, a birth injury occurs because of the pressure exerted on the baby in the birth canal, for example. In others, a medical error could cause or contribute to a birth-related injury.

Are Birth Injuries Serious?

There are many different types of birth injuries and they vary in severity. Caput succedaneum is a relatively common birth injury that can cause a baby’s head to take on a conical shape, for example. However, this typically disappears within a couple of days of delivery and often doesn’t require any medical intervention.

In contrast, a lack of oxygen during childbirth could cause the infant to experience brain damage, which can have a life-long impact on their health. Neurological injuries, such as brachial plexus birth palsy

or cerebral palsy, commonly occur when an infant is deprived of oxygen during birth.

Coping with Birth Injuries

If your baby is injured during childbirth, it can be traumatic for both the mother and father, as well as their wider family. While some birth injuries are apparent straight away, others may not be noticeable until the infant is a few days or weeks old. If you suspect your baby has sustained a birth injury, it’s important to seek medical advice and treatment. You may choose to ask for another medical team to administer care to your child if you believe the original medical professionals were negligent in some way.

In addition to this, you may want to consider taking legal action if you believe your baby has experienced birth injuries due to malpractice. This article by birth injury malpractice lawyers on birth injury helps to explain the process of claiming compensation. Although financial compensation won’t alleviate the pain and distress you’re experiencing, it can help you to cope with the practical and financial challenges you may face.

Following a birth injury, it’s particularly important that all parties have access to the support and guidance they need. Your baby may require medical treatment, for example, while the mother and/or father may benefit from emotional support and counseling. With the right combination of assistance, you can ensure that your family is able to seek the best help and overcome the challenges that a birth injury can bring.