Can a Traumatic Birth Affect the Baby?

A traumatic birth can cause irreparable damage to your baby. This damage can result in a lifetime of pain and suffering, as well as intensive long-term disabilities. In fact, eight out of every 1,000 babies born this year will suffer from some form of birth injury after a traumatic birth.

In addition to the harm a baby suffers after a traumatic birth, new mothers can also suffer serious emotional and psychological damage. In many cases, both the mother and the baby can suffer both emotionally and physically after a traumatic birth.

When a Traumatic Birth Does Cause Harm

While not all traumatic births result in harm to the baby, some do. When a traumatic birth causes harm, the results can be devastating. Birth trauma can result in permanent disability, brain damage, and disfigurement. It can lead to a lifetime of pain, suffering, and long-term impairment.

According to Stanford’s Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, a traumatic birth can injure a baby in two ways:

• Lack of oxygen during birth – A placental
  abruption or an umbilical cord entanglement are examples of how a baby could
  lose vital oxygen during birth. When a baby’s oxygen supply is compromised, the
  baby can suffer serious brain damage. This damage can result in serious injury,
  including:
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
  • Brain hemorrhage
  • Death

• Physical trauma during birth – Sometimes
  during delivery, the doctor may use forceps or a vacuum extractor to help
  deliver the baby. Unfortunately, when not used correctly, these tools can
  physically damage the baby. Some of the most common physical injuries include:
  • Facial paralysis
  • Facial lacerations
  • Bruising and swelling of the head
  • Skull fractures
  • Seizures
  • Brain damage
  • Erb’s palsy

A Birth Injury Lawyer Can Help

Doctors and nurses have a responsibility to uphold a high standard of care and safeguard their patients and unborn babies. This includes monitoring the baby and mother during labor and delivery. It also includes identifying risks and acting quickly when complications occur.

Unfortunately, some doctors and healthcare professionals may act carelessly or recklessly during labor and delivery. They may fail to monitor the baby. They may misdiagnose signs that the baby is not tolerating labor.  They may fail to perform a timely c/section. When this occurs, they can – and should – be held accountable for their negligence.

A birth injury lawyer can review the details surrounding your child’s birth and determine if the doctor or healthcare professional acted negligently or recklessly. If medical malpractice is suspected, your lawyer can build a case that is designed to obtain maximum compensation for your child. This will allow you to provide the very best care for your baby.

Contact Our Providence Birth Injury Lawyers Today

If your child suffered injury after a traumatic birth, we are here to help. A traumatic birth can be terrifying and may result in permanent disability and a lifetime of care for your baby. Our birth injury lawyers can help you hold negligent doctors, nurses, and medical professionals accountable for the injuries your child suffered. At Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell, Ltd, we employ professionals to investigate all birth injury malpractice claims. We have over 40 years of experience helping our Providence birth injury lawyers prosecute these devastating cases. Call us today at 401-247-8501 or fill out our confidential contact form for a free initial consultation and review of your case.