Birth Injuries: Medical Negligence

Written by Adam Peck Category: Birth Injury April 10th, 2013 2 min read

Birth Injuries: Medical Negligence: A birth injury is any type of injury that occurs to an infant during labor and delivery. The term birth injury is often used interchangeably with the birth trauma. Birth injuries occur in about 6 out of 1,000 births. Even though birth injuries are not an extremely common occurrence, they are still a cause for concern. Cerebral palsy is just one of the many conditions that has been linked to birth injuries.

There are a number of things that can cause a birth injury. Below are some of those things:

Size of The Baby

Babies who weigh more than 8 pounds and 13 ounces are more likely to suffer a birth injury. Babies who are born prematurely are also more likely to suffer a birth injury. If a baby is born before the 37th week of pregnancy, then he or she will be classified as being premature.

Position Of The Baby

Most babies are born head first. However, in about 4 percent of pregnancies, the buttocks or legs are presented first. The medical term for this problem is breech delivery. Breech babies are more likely to suffer a birth injury.

Cephalopelvic Disproportion

This is a medical term used when the shape and/or size of the pelvis is not adequate for the baby to be born vaginally. If a mother delivers vaginally with this problem, then her baby will be much more likely to suffer a birth injury.

Difficult Labor

Babies of mothers who have difficult or prolonged labors are more likely to suffer a birth injury. The medical term for this condition is Dystocia.

Medical Malpractice

Some birth injuries are the result of medical malpractice. There are a number of things that can be classified as medical malpractice. Inappropriate administering of Pitocin, which is a drug that is used to speed up labor, is an example of medical malpractice. Failing to perform a C-section when it is medically necessary is another example of medical malpractice. Misuse of forceps and failing to respond to a birth emergency are some of the other examples of medical malpractice.

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Written by Adam Peck

Expertise: Personal Injury

Adam J. Peck, ESQ is a principal with Peck Law Group, APC. In 2008, Mr. Adam Peck received his Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School where he graduated Cum Laude. His practice is primarily dedicated to representing Elders, Dependent Adults, along with their loved ones and family members, who have suffered horrific personal injuries.