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Pennsylvania birth trauma occurs when a healthcare professional fails to provide safe labor and delivery. A Philadelphia birth injury may refer to any physical damage occurring due to various factors, including prolonged and difficult childbirth. A broad spectrum of more or less severe consequences may be caused by an injury that occurs during or right after birth. Sometimes, birth injuries may be caused even by negligence before the delivery or failure to administer treatment for the fetus or future mother. Let’s focus on those birth injuries caused by doctors’ failures related to strenuous labor. Having a baby is inextricably linked with some risk factors, including congenital diseases and genetic defects. Modern medical equipment and doctors with expertise and skills are there to decrease the risks and focus on mothers’ and babies’ needs. Sadly, even experienced and skilled doctors sometimes fail due to preexisting conditions, fatigue, negligence, mistakes, wrong test results, misreading test results, and many other errors. Doctors should know that every pregnancy and baby delivery is unique and prepared for every possibility. It is estimated that lots of birth injuries could have been prevented. Parents of the baby sustaining life-altering preventable injury or disability may be entitled to sue the hospital and liable doctors for their baby’s irreversible health consequences. Philadelphia birth injuries may result in severe cognitive delays, physical disability, inability to live independently, and speaking issues. Even if the Lehigh Valley birth defects or injuries are related to the fetus’ or woman’s congenital feathers, doctors may still be liable for the damage because they must perform emergency cesarean section or other medical procedures properly in some instances. Call a Philadelphia birth injury lawyer for a free consultation.

 

Pennsylvania birth injury related to difficult labor possible causes

 

Difficult childbirth is also known as dystocia. Philadelphia birth injuries related to labor difficulties can result from various risk factors. These factors can increase the likelihood of complications during labor and delivery. Some common risk factors for difficult childbirth include:

Maternal age – Young mothers (under 18) and older mothers (over 35) may face an increased risk of difficult childbirth due to inadequate pelvic development or decreased uterine muscle tone. Future mothers over 35 and teenagers should be monitored more precisely. Doctors should be ready to perform an emergency C-section or vacuum extraction delivery immediately after diagnosing any issues.

Pelvic structure and size – Anomalies in the shape or size of the maternal pelvis can impede the baby’s passage through the birth canal. The baby may get stuck in the birth canal, resulting in hypoxia, bleeding in the skull, perinatal stroke, or skull and bone fractures.

Fetal size and position – A larger-than-average baby (macrosomia) or a baby in an abnormal position (e.g., breech or transverse) can complicate delivery. To avoid preventable birth issues, performing emergency necessary medical procedures is crucial for the fetus and mother.

Multiple Pregnancy – Twins, triplets, or other multiple pregnancies increase the chances of difficulties during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Multiple pregnancies are more likely to result in preterm birth, where babies are born before 37 weeks of gestation. Preterm babies may have underdeveloped organs and require specialized care. Twins and higher-order multiples are often born with a lower birth weight compared to singletons, increasing the risk of health problems for newborns. Multiple pregnancies can lead to complications with the placenta, such as placenta previa (placenta covers the cervix), placental abruption (placenta detaches from the uterine wall prematurely), or uneven distribution of the placental tissue between fetuses.

Maternal health conditions – Conditions like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, thrombosis, infections, and heart disease can increase the risk of complications during labor and delivery. In case of illnesses, increasing blood pressure, or bleeding risks, doctors should recommend a C-section.

Previous cesarean sections (C-sections) – Women who have had previous C-sections may face challenges if they attempt vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Every childbirth occurring after multiple C-sections is risky because the more C-sections a woman has, the more likely they are to have a uterine rupture.

Prolonged Labor – Labor that progresses too slowly (prolonged labor) can lead to complications and may require interventions. A baby stuck in the birth canal may suffer from interrupted bloodstream, nutrition, and oxygen supply. Doctors should administer an emergency cesarean section in many cases of delayed birth. Failure to perform a C-section that caused fetus’ defects may be considered a Lehigh Valley birth injury.

Uterine abnormalities and birth canal malfunctions – Conditions like uterine fibroids or an abnormally shaped uterus can interfere with labor.

Infections: Maternal infections, such as group B streptococcus (GBS) or genital herpes, can harm the baby during delivery.

Fetal Distress – Signs of fetal distress, such as an abnormal heart rate, may necessitate intervention to expedite delivery.

Use of Assisted Reproductive Technologies – Researchers confirmed that women who conceive with the help of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) may have a higher risk of complications during childbirth.

Induction and Augmentation of Labor – Induction of labor using medications or the augmentation of labor with synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin) can sometimes lead to complications.

Maternal Anxiety and Stress – High levels of anxiety and stress can affect the progression of labor and may lead to difficulties.

Maternal fatigue due to prolonged labor – exhaustion from a long or delayed child delivery or inadequate rest can impede the mother’s ability to push effectively.

Inadequate Pain Relief – Insufficient pain relief measures can make labor more challenging and exhausting for the mother.

 

It is essential to note that each pregnancy is unique. While these risk factors can increase the chances of difficult childbirth, many women with these risk factors have successful and uncomplicated deliveries. Healthcare providers present during birth should closely monitor pregnancies at every stage and the progress of the labor process. Doctors should be prepared to address complications as they arise to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby. Some risk factors are manageable for women, while others are not. Still, healthcare providers should be prepared to prevent any possible damages. In the dream scenario, doctors and healthcare professionals are trained and prepared to handle challenging childbirth scenarios. Obstetricians, midwives, and other healthcare team members receive extensive training in managing various aspects of labor and delivery, including problematic or complicated situations. There are various ways in which healthcare professionals should be prepared for difficult childbirth. A broad spectrum of factors impact child delivery, from doctors’ experience and knowledge through collaboration between healthcare providers and future parents to the availability of modern medical equipment. Failures to follow medical protocol and safety standards and react immediately may lead to severe consequences. Doctors’ negligence, misdiagnosis, failure to address issues promptly, and human errors may impact the baby’s future life, dexterity, and the whole future of the family. Philadelphia birth injury victims may be entitled to seek compensation for life-altering injuries that devastate a family’s life. Call a birth injury lawyer in Philadelphia for a free consultation.

 

Philadelphia birth injuries related to difficult labor may include:

 

Bone fractures: A common occurrence is the fracture of the baby’s bones, affecting approximately 1 to 2% of newborns. Most bone fractures are not severe and heal well.

Common injuries such as bone fractures may be misdiagnosed or inadequately treated in less fortunate situations. Some of these injuries pose more significant risks, such as fractured skull bones or fractures near the spinal cord. Bone injuries can lead to further, more severe complications, including:

1. Malunion occurs when broken bones do not realign appropriately during the healing process, potentially resulting in difficulties with walking and movement.
2. Nonunion: In some instances, bones may fail to fully or adequately reconnect during healing.
3. Bone infection (osteomyelitis): The risk of bacterial infections increases in open fractures (where the bone penetrates the skin). Severe or untreated bacterial infections can trigger an excessive immune response known as sepsis, leading to tissue damage, organ failure, and, in extreme cases, death.

Brachial plexus injury is damage to the network of nerves controlling the arm and hand muscles. It can occur if excessive force is used during delivery, such as when the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone (shoulder dystocia). It can result in conditions like Erb’s palsy or Klumpke’s palsy. A tight birth canal or big size of the infant increases the likelihood of this condition.

Cephalohematoma is a collection of blood between the baby’s skull and the periosteum (a membrane covering the bones). It can occur during a challenging birth and usually resolves over time. Cephalohematoma is a generally benign condition characterized by the accumulation of blood beneath a newborn’s scalp following a difficult vaginal birth. The pressure exerted during the delivery process, which may involve vacuum extraction devices, can result in the rupture of blood vessels in the baby’s scalp.

 

Can parents do anything to avoid Philadelphia birth injuries resulting from difficult labor?

 

While parents cannot directly control or prevent all birth injuries resulting from difficult labor, there are steps they can take during pregnancy and childbirth to reduce the risk of possible complications and improve overall outcomes.

 

Here are some actions expectant parents can consider:

 

Early prenatal care: Seeking prenatal care early in pregnancy and attending all scheduled prenatal appointments is crucial to monitor the situation. Regular check-ups allow doctors to monitor the health of both the mother and the baby and detect potential issues early.

Choose a well-qualified doctor and trustworthy hospital: Select an experienced Philadelphia obstetrician or midwife specializing in managing pregnancies and arduous labors. Discuss your birth plan, concerns, and preferences with your provider.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy by staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, and avoiding risk factors, including smoking, drinking alcohol, etc. Staying away from food increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure, which will decrease the risk of strenuous labor.

Maintain communication:

1. Maintain honest and open communication with the healthcare team throughout labor.
2. Discuss any anxieties, concerns or issues promptly.
3. Surround yourself with a supportive birthing team, including a partner or support person who can advocate for you during labor.
4. Ask questions and stay informed about your pregnancy.
5. Discuss any medical conditions, health issues, risks, or concerns with your doctor.

 

If anything fails and your baby sustains a Philadelphia birth injury, contact our Pennsylvania birth injury lawyer to take proper legal steps. Lehigh Valley birth injury compensation may help recover damages related to birth trauma. Doctors and healthcare professionals whose negligence caused birth injuries may be held liable in the Pennsylvania birth injury case. We work based on a contingency fee, meaning we get paid only when and if we can financially compensate our clients. Our Lehigh Valley birth injury lawyers will make themself available to meet you at any hospital in Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Hazletown,  King of Prussia, Norristown, Pottstown, Pittsburgh PA, Scranton PA, Wilkes-Barre, Bloomsburg, Pottsville, East Stroudsburg, Bethlehem PA, Easton and Harrisburg PA. Some common locations in Pennsylvania where you can make an appointment with a Trapani Law Firm birth injury attorney below:

 

Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia

Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia

UPMC Presbyterian Hospital located in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh,

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania located at Spruce Street in Philadelphia,

Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest located in Allentown,

Lehigh County Pennsylvania,

Reading Hospital located in West Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania,

Jefferson Abington Hospital, located in Abington, a northern suburb of Philadelphia,

Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, located in Hershey near Harrisburg.

Last Updated on September 20, 2023