For nine months, you took all the precautions possible to ensure your child would be born in optimal health. You gave up alcohol, changed your diet, got plenty of sleep and did the exercises prescribed by your prenatal class. You did your part, but it seems the medical staff did not do theirs, and your baby suffered a birth injury.
Giving birth is meant to be one of the best days of your life, yet if a medical practitioner makes a mistake, it could become one of the most traumatic days. While birth traumas are far less common than they used to be, they can still happen occasionally. These are some of the birth injuries that can occur:
- Oxygen deprivation injuries: A lack of oxygen during birth can mean your child needs to go into intensive care. If the deprivation was for a significant amount of time, it could cause learning difficulties or cerebral palsy. It will cause them to lead a very different life with the need for constant care.
- Nerve damage: While most resolve themselves within a month, some could result in paralysis, breathing problems, or hand or arm weakness.
- Bleeding around the brain: Some types of hemorrhage or hematoma can cause seizures or apnea. Severe bleeding could be fatal if left unchecked.
- Broken bones: While these can be distressing, they usually heal on their own. Just the same, it could lead to nerve damage that becomes serious or developmental delays.
- Bruising and skin damage: It can be upsetting to see your baby emerge bruised or injured, but these injuries usually heal quickly with no residual effect.
If you believe medical staff are responsible for harming your baby during birth, seek legal advice. It may be possible to file a medical malpractice claim.