There are a lot of different things that can cause a baby to suffer an injury during labor or delivery. Often, these conditions or injuries are beyond the control of the physician in charge. Others, however, are devastatingly the result of medical negligence or wrongdoing on the part of a…
Childbirth is a physically demanding process that can take a toll on both mother and child. An already grueling situation, however, can become even more dangerous in cases of prolonged labor, which occurs when a mother remains in labor longer than the standard period of time. Prolonged labor can carry…
While some birth injuries are minor and don’t have a lasting impact, some, including cerebral palsy can have permanent consequences. Sometimes, these types of injuries are unavoidable, but others could have been prevented if a healthcare professional had used the proper degree of care. Infants who are born with cerebral…
Obtaining treatment for a health problem isn’t always as easy as going to the family doctor. While this may have been a common practice in the past, most patients who suffer from serious conditions are now expected to see a specialist, visit a lab or testing facility, or receive treatment…
Most deliveries happen without a hitch. However, some births are more traumatic than normal. A careless obstetrician can injure a child in the act of delivery, but symptoms might not show up for a considerable amount of time. The brachial plexus is a network of nerves located between the neck…
Oxygen is necessary for brain function, and without it, the brain can suffer irreversible injury. Anything that restricts oxygen or blood flow during labor and delivery can cause a lifetime of disabilities. Out of Louisiana comes a heartwarming story of a baby who received critical care after doctors realized he…
Since at least 2009, researchers have identified a link between the use of antidepressants early in pregnancy and heart defects. But a recent case-control study has linked use of certain antidepressants with a higher risk of other defects. It has also found that certain antidepressants can cause defects other than…
A Cesarean section (C-section) is a method of delivering a baby by cutting into a mother’s abdomen and uterus. Many c-sections are planned well in advance, whereas others are emergency procedures in response to a complication that arises during labor and delivery. According to statistics, about 1 in 3 babies…
A study out of the United Kingdom shows that women prescribed certain antibiotics were much more likely to have children with major birth defects. This study has confirmed what many doctors have already suspected—that these antibiotics, if given in the first trimester, can lead to devastating consequences. If you have…
Shoulder dystocia is a serious medical complication during delivery, in which a baby’s head has passed through the birth canal but the shoulders are stuck behind the pubic bone. Shoulder dystocia can lead to serious problems for both mother and child if not addressed. Many doctors are unaware of how…
