The Tragedy Of Birth Injury
By Melanie Smythe
Monday, February 28, 2005
Complications in the process of labor and delivery can result
in a wide variety of problems for a newborn baby. These problems, known
collectively as birth injuries, can be mild or severe.
One major cause is oxygen deprivation, which commonly occurs when the umbilical
cord is compressed or twisted in the birth process. The other main cause is
mechanical trauma, which may occur when the baby assumes an unusual position at
the time of birth - such as buttocks first rather than head first or when the
baby is too large to pass through the birth canal easily.
There is nothing more precious than the birth of a child.
When a terrible tragedy such as a birth injury occurs, the effects on the family
can be devastating, both emotionally and monetarily. In addition to the
psychological damage that may ensue, medical costs can be overwhelming. We
understand, and we want to help.
When complications arise during labor or delivery, they are known as "birth
injuries" or "birth trauma." These injuries can range from mild to severe. Birth
injuries occur in 27 out of every 1,000 live births, and are most commonly
associated with operative deliveries, rather than spontaneous ones. Oxygen
deprivation is the primary cause of birth injuries, which normally occurs when
the umbilical cord is twisted during delivery. Mechanical trauma can also result
in injury. This occurs when the baby is either too large to pass through the
birth canal easily, or when the baby leaves the birth canal in an abnormal
position, e.g. buttocks first rather than head first.
Numerous birth injuries are caused by mistakes made by doctors or hospitals
during delivery. Birth injuries can occur if excessive force is applied in the
delivery of a child or there is a delay in performing a necessary C-section
delivery. Birth injuries can also occur if the delivery team fails to properly
anticipate the size of a child, causing a turbulent delivery.
Birth injuries are most often caused by operative deliveries, whether vaginal or
abdominal. Birth injuries have been reported to
occur in 27 of 1,000 live births.
Common Birth Injuries are: Cerebral Palsy, Temporary Paralysis, Brain Damage,
Erb's Palsy, Fractured Collar Bone, Klumpke's Palsy and Brachial Plexus Palsy.
Cerebral palsy (CP) refers to a group of conditions that affect control of movement and posture. Because of damage to one or more parts of the brain that control movement, an affected child cannot move his or her muscles normally. While symptoms range from mild to severe, the condition does not get worse as the child gets older. With treatment, most children can significantly improve their abilities.
Annually, 8,000 - 10,000 babies and infants are diagnosed
with cerebral palsy. Estimates suggest that 20 percent of children diagnosed
with congenital cerebral palsy developed CP due to a brain injury during the
birthing process. While the United States does not currently have a system to
track the rate of cerebral palsy incidents, studies have shown that there has
been an increase in doctor error and birthing mistakes associated with CP.
The most serious birth injuries are those that affect the brain. They are caused
by oxygen deprivation or bleeding within the skull or brain. These injuries vary
greatly in severity. They may lead to long-term seizure disorders or cause
cerebral palsy or mental retardation.
Many birth injuries can be directly attributed to mistakes
made by doctors or other hospital personnel during the delivery process. These
mistakes may include using excessive force during delivery, delay in performing
a C-section, inaccurate assessment of the baby's size and other similar problems
If you suspect that your child or a loved one's child has suffered a birth injury
due to medical negligence or malpractice, please speak with us right now.
