If you are an expectant mother, or a parent considering starting your own family, you may have many concerns about the safety and health of your unborn child, particularly during labor and delivery.
Although the majority of child births occur without any significant harm to the mother or the child, there are still potential risks including the possibility of birth injuries. Fortunately, there are steps that expectant moms can take to reduce the risk of a birth injury occurring during delivery. This includes following some common-sense steps, taking certain precautions, and working with your healthcare provider to ensure a healthier birth for you and your baby.
In this article, we look at some of the common causes of birth injuries and how they can be prevented.
What are the most common causes of birth injuries?
According to the Birth Injury Justice Center, 7 out of every 1,000 births results in an injury to the baby. The most common injury is a fractured collarbone, which can often occur due to negligence by healthcare staff. Other common causes include delayed births, oxygen deprivation, improper use of delivery tools, and monitoring or delivery issues. It should be made clear that most healthcare professionals operate to exceptionally high standards, and the likelihood of your child experiencing an injury due to negligence is low. However, it is important to be aware that injuries due to negligence can and do happen, so you should discuss any concerns that you have with your healthcare provider. They will be able to provide you with various options that may help to alleviate any concerns that you may have.
What types of birth injuries are preventable?
Many birth injuries can be prevented with appropriate medical care and attention. This includes the following types of injuries:
- Brain damage due to oxygen deprivation – which can be prevented through appropriate monitoring of the baby’s heart rate and prompt interventions if there are any signs of distress.
- Brachial plexus injuries – these occur when the nerves that control movement and sensation in the arms are damaged during delivery. Gentle and appropriate handling of the baby during delivery can prevent this type of injury.
- Skull fractures – can occur when due to improper use of delivery instruments, such as forceps or vacuum extraction.
- Cerebral palsy – a disorder that affects movement and posture, can result from brain damage during childbirth. Proper management of labor and delivery, as well as prompt interventions if there are signs of distress, can reduce the risk of cerebral palsy.
- Shoulder dystocia – occurs when the baby’s shoulders become stuck in the birth canal during delivery. Proper management and appropriate delivery techniques can prevent this type of injury.
Again, it is important to stress that these types of injuries are quite rare. However, it sensible on the part of parents to be aware of these risks and to discuss with your healthcare provider the steps they take to prevent common injuries and remediate issues when they occur.
What types of birth injuries can occur through no fault of a healthcare provider?
In the vast majority of cases, moms are not to blame for any injury their child sustains during pregnancy and childbirth. However, there are some scenarios that can directly cause significant birth complications. This includes substance abuse of alcohol or drugs, inadequate prenatal care, maternal health conditions such as gestational diabetes or hypertension, and obesity.
What are the key steps mom should take to avoid increasing the risk of a birth injury?
Here are ten key steps you can take to avoid preventable birth injuries.
- Make sure you attend regular prenatal check-ups with a qualified healthcare provider.
- Be sure to eat a healthy diet and stay hydrated throughout your pregnancy.
- Exercise regularly under the guidance of your healthcare professional.
- Avoid all alcohol, smoking, and drug use.
- Attend childbirth education classes to learn about the birthing process.
- Consider hiring a doula to provide additional support during labor.
- Discuss with your healthcare provider whether a vaginal or caesarean delivery is appropriate for you and your baby.
- Consider natural methods of pain relief, such as breathing techniques and massage, or medical pain relief options like an epidural.
- Follow medical recommendations and guidelines during labor and delivery.
- If a birth injury occurs, request senior medical support to remediate as quickly as possible.
You may also find this guide by American Baby & Child Law Center useful.
Are there any unavoidable birth injuries?
We don’t want to frighten you, they are very rare, but you should know there are some potential risks of injury to your baby that can occur through no fault of your own or your healthcare provider. This includes genetic conditions or abnormalities that are present before birth, infections that occur during pregnancy, premature births, placenta previa or abruption, and umbilical cord issues. Again, you should speak to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about these types of conditions. However, try not to stress about rare complications. Follow our suggested 10 steps for keeping yourself well through your pregnancy and labor, and the greatest likelihood is that you will have a healthy, happy birth, and a welcome new addition to your family.
