When a woman attends prenatal visits at a Missouri medical facility, she entrusts the health and safety of her infant, as well as her own, to her medical team. An obstetrician is specially trained to monitor a pregnant woman’s health and to track an infant’s progress in the womb. If certain complications arise during pregnancy, it requires appropriate action. If such action is not taken, birth injuries may occur.
A pregnant woman is not responsible for a lapse in judgment from her obstetrician or other medical team member. When a maternal health complication arises, a doctor must be able to assess the situation and recommend the best course of treatment to help the mother and baby stay safe. In some cases, this might include bed rest, a special dietary plan (such as mothers with gestational diabetes must use) or a Cesarean section delivery.
3 complications that can cause birth injuries
If an obstetrician diagnoses a pregnant woman with one or more of the conditions shown in the following list, she is a high-risk patient:
- Incompetent cervix that may lead to premature birth
- Placenta previa—placenta too low in uterus, can cause hemorrhage
- Pre-eclampsia- maternal high blood pressure
Each of these conditions require specialized care to keep mother and baby safe prior to and during delivery. Obstetricians know how to recognize symptoms of these conditions and can take appropriate action to avoid birth injuries.
Navigating the tragic aftermath of a birth injury
If a birth injury occurs, what was supposed to be a joyful event becomes tragic and sorrowful. When an injury is caused by medical negligence, parents may act on behalf of a child to seek justice. Under Missouri law, a parent may file a medical malpractice claim to seek compensation for damages that occurred leading up to, during and following childbirth.