In spite of advancements in the medical industry and improvements in cutting-edge technological breakthroughs, birth injuries continue to occur. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seven out of 1,000 babies enter the world “cared for” by medical professionals falling short in their duties.
While negligent actions from doctors and hospital personnel is usually the common denominator, other factors include:
- Genetic
- Environmental
- Socioeconomic
Serious circumstances
The consequences of birth injuries can be catastrophic with many children suffering a range of physical challenges due to everything from cerebral palsy to serious brain damage. The most common injuries come from fractured collarbones that account for 15 out of 1,000 live births. Cerebral palsy linked to oxygen deprivation can result in brain damage that already accounts for 1.5 to four children in every 1,000 births.
The Cleveland Clinic reported statistics that cites Erb’s palsy as the most common with close to 12,000 infants forced to endure the long-term impact of an affliction that limits mobility in the arm, shoulder, and hand.
Additional issues that can make a “blessed event” traumatic to loved ones include the following:
Lack of monitoring
Correct monitoring is of paramount importance, if not a “life and death” matter. Overlooking complications can lead to myriad birth injuries. Poor management of labor and delivery can be harmful to both mother and child.
Improper delivery tool use
Physicians in a hurry can lead to an overreliance of assistive tools to facilitate delivery. Vacuum extraction and forceps delivery, while common “strategies,” can actually harm newborns. Life-threatening brain bleeds can result in serious injuries and infections.
Delayed births/prolonged labor
Accounting for eight percent of women, those who gain a significant amount of weight during pregnancy or already have a high body mass index present challenges for infants going through the birth canal. The aftermath could include nerve or muscle damage.
