On average there are more than 140 million babies born worldwide each year - that's just under 5 babies every second. In 2012 there were 694,241 live births in England alone. It’s important to understand that the majority of these births go without any problems; however when something does go wrong it can have devastating results.
A report in 2013 by the National Audit Office stated that, in 2011, one in 133 babies in the UK was stillborn or died within several days of birth. The report also found that litigation in maternity care is rising and trusts paid £482 million for maternity clinical negligence cover in 2012-13, this equates to around a fifth of all spending on maternity services.
Injuries suffered by mother or baby are often referred to as “birth injuries” and can occur during pregnancy, labour or after the birth. In some cases, complications during labour or birth are simply unavoidable, however, others are caused by birthing negligence on the part of a doctor, nurse, midwife or other healthcare professional.
If you or a loved-one have suffered injuries during childbirth and are concerned that a healthcare professional may have been at fault, talking to a solicitor specialising in birth injuries can help clarify your position.
Below are some of the more common birth injuries which can happen as the result of birthing negligence by a doctor, nurse or midwife or other healthcare professional.
Birth Injuries Include
- Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy can occur due to a delay in the delivery which causes a lack of oxygen to the baby resulting in brain injury. - Erb's Palsy
Also referred to as obstetric brachial plexus injury (OBPi) is usually caused by a trauma during birth. Healthcare professionals should monitor the size of the unborn baby during pregnancy so if the baby is thought to be too large for a vaginal birth alternative plans can be made. If an episiotomy or caesarean section is not carried out it’s possible for the baby’s shoulders to become stuck. This type of medical trauma during birth can affect either 1 or all of the primary nerves that provide the feeling and movement to the arm, it can also be fatal. - Episiotomy and Perineal Tears
An episiotomy is a surgical incision which makes the delivery easier. If the healthcare provider performs the episiotomy incorrectly or does not perform it (even though it’s obviously required) it could lead to second degree or third degree tearing of the skin. - Maternal or Gestational Diabetes
This can lead to birth defects to do with the baby’s heart or brain, it can cause the baby to grow too large (see Erb’s Palsy) and can also cause a miscarriage. The healthcare professional should look out for signs of the condition developing and carry out a screening test if you have a family history of gestational diabetes. - Pre Eclampsia
Pre Eclampsia can be a life threatening condition for both mother and baby, and is caused by a defect with the placenta. It can be diagnosed during antenatal screenings by having regular blood pressure checks and urine samples taken. - Congenital Hip Dysplasia
This is thought to be a genetic condition. All newborn babies are supposed to be screened for congenital hip dysplasia, and checks should also be made by the healthcare professional at 6 months and when other development checks are carried out.
Remember, the great majority of pregnancies and births go smoothly; however, when something does go wrong it can be very traumatic and in such situations it is important you get the support you deserve.
We Can Help
If you feel your midwife or doctor failed to diagnose a condition or treat you correctly and that this has resulted in some kind of injury to you or your baby, either during pregnancy or labour, you may be able to make a compensation claim for maternity negligence. Our friendly specialist advisors can talk to you about your situation and see if you have a valid compensation claim. There is no charge for this service and you are under no obligation to claim with us.
If You Have a Genuine Claim, Contact a Genuine Company
May I Claim, is a trading name of R Costings Limited and our CRM number is 25770
If you’ve had an accident that wasn’t your fault and suffered an injury - you can trust us to handle your claim professionally.
Call us now on 0800 756 7774 and talk to us to find out if you have a claim - or fill in our Quick Claim form (on the right of this page).
http://info.mayiclaim.co.uk/personal_injury_compensation_claim_news/bid/337048/Common-Examples-of-Birth-Injuries-as-a-Result-of-Maternity-Negligence
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