Having a baby is the very definition of the “circle of life.” It is an event that happened 3,667,758 times in 2022 in the U.S. alone, according to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That breaks down to around 10,000 babies being born every day. Thankfully for many families, the babies are born healthy and ready to become a family’s viral sensation.
Unfortunately, some challenging births occur that can lead to birth injuries. A birth injury refers to an incident of physical harm that is caused to the baby during the delivery process. A birth complication is a broad term that covers issues relating to pregnancy, labor, or delivery. Yes, complications can cause injuries, but those might not always be caused by negligence.
In the instances where negligence is the contributing factor to a birth injury, it can lead to expensive neonatal care and possibly a lifetime of challenges for the child. That is why every expectant mother needs to take proactive steps to prevent birth injuries from occurring. The following are some of those steps that women and their partners should embrace:
Proper Prenatal Care
The moment a woman finds out she is pregnant, her prenatal care begins. That care involves changes to diet, exercise, work, and activity routines. It also involves getting on a schedule of regular checkups. The March of Dimes recommends the following schedule:
- “Weeks 4 to 28 of pregnancy. Go for one checkup every 4 weeks (once a month).
- Weeks 28 to 36 of pregnancy. Go for one checkup every 2 weeks (twice a month).
- Weeks 36 to 41 of pregnancy. Go for one checkup every week (once a week).”
Each examination provides an opportunity to check the baby’s progress through physical exams of the mother, fetal heart monitoring, and ultrasound scans. Doctors can also perform blood tests and other screening exams to determine the baby’s health in the womb. Advanced medical technology and diagnostics allow doctors to detect any potential complications that might harm the baby or the mother.
If these complications are detected early and properly managed, it is possible to avoid severe birth injuries. Due to their age and preexisting medical conditions, some women are put in the high-risk pregnancy category. That can require additional scrutiny and exams. Every exam comes with a vital progress report that the mother should keep copies of. These reports can prove to be critical evidence if there are any future claims.
Recognizing Signs of Fetal Distress
Fetal distress occurs when the baby’s health is compromised while in the womb and during delivery. Some of the signs of fetal distress can include the following:
- Decreased fetal movement
- Abnormal fetal heart rate
- Abnormal amniotic fluid volume
- Vaginal bleeding
- Cramping
- Insufficient or excessive maternal weight gain
The birthing team must watch for signs of distress during delivery. That includes monitoring the fetal heart rate and interpreting any signs of trouble.
Recognizing the Need for a C-Section
Cesarean or C-Section deliveries account for 32.1% of all births in the U.S. (according to the CDC). Many of the C-Sections are planned in advance. It could be a mother’s preference or a doctor’s recommendation. However, there are certain conditions where C-section deliveries are considered an emergency and a necessity. Some possible indications for C-section delivery include:
- Prolonged labor
- Macrosomia
- Placental abruption
- Uterine rupture
- Umbilical cord compression
- Maternal infection
- Fetal distress
Although the surgical team should know how to perform an emergency C-section, there is an increased risk of injury, especially if the team is working fast because the baby and mother are in distress. Rushing is when accidents happen.
Reducing Birth Complications
As mentioned, a birth complication is most often a condition that is detected early and can be managed with lifestyle changes or medication. Mothers need to reduce the likelihood of developing a complication that can lead to an injury. This is what they should do:
Get Plenty of Sleep
There might come a time when a doctor prescribes bed rest for the expectant mother. That means limiting any potentially strenuous activity. To avoid that, it is helpful to get plenty of sleep beforehand. Rest can be highly therapeutic.
Eat a Well-Balanced Diet
There are a few recommended diet restrictions for pregnant women. They should avoid caffeine and seafood high in mercury. Sushi is another forbidden food for the duration of the pregnancy. There are plenty of healthy options to replace those forbidden foods.
Avoid Teratogenic Substances
While a baby is growing in the womb, they are getting all of their nutrients and sustenance from what the mom is taking in. That is why you need to totally avoid alcohol, drugs, and any other substance that could be considered a direct harm to the baby.
Monitor Your weight
A pregnant mother is not literally “eating for two.” However, there is a certain amount of expected weight gain within limits—between 25 and 35 pounds. That extra weight can help support the baby’s health and development, provided it is from a healthy diet. It is important to note that every woman is different, and doctors will have their recommendations about what they consider to be an acceptable weight gain.
Build a Strong Medical Support Team
Along with the OB/GYN, you can create a pregnancy and delivery team that consists of a doula, midwife, and other practitioners. These healthcare professionals can come from recommendations from friends and family. It is important to note that they are not infallible just because you put your trust in these professionals.
If a birth injury occurs, it will be a lot to deal with, both emotionally and physically. It will help to speak with Prochaska, Howell & Prochaska LLC. We can provide you with crucial information about what your options might be to pursue a remedy for your situation. You don’t have to go through a situation like this on your own.