When anyone talks about birth injuries, the first thing that likely pops into mind is some traumatic situation that occurred in the midst of the baby’s delivery. It might be easy to understand why such views tend to prevail.
Conditions such as shoulder dystocia that result in Erb’s palsy or brain injury caused by the baby being deprived of oxygen during delivery are those that generate a lot of headlines. Cerebral Palsy is another condition that may be caused by a failure to deliver the proper standard of care during a birth.
But if you think about it, there is an entire nine-month window during which doctors has opportunities to engage with the mother-to-be in trying to make sure that the pregnancy runs with a minimum risk of a hitch. Routine checkups are one of the common standards of practice that doctors and other caregivers can use to try to identify possible complications.
Such visits are probably wise in all cases. But they are even more important in high-risk pregnancies. If the woman is a bit older than average, has a history of difficulties in pregnancy or develops gestational diabetes or hypertension, there is even more reason for greater vigilance.
Prenatal procedures that are widely considered standard include things such as screening for genetic defects and sonograms to assess implantation and development of the fetus. Checks of the mother’s urine for elevated hormone, protein or bacteria levels should be expected. And issues of spotting, cramping, hypertension, bloating or odd changes in weight deserve immediate response.
In short, failing to provide proper prenatal care can result in birth injuries that have life-long implications for parents and children. If there are suspicions that due care was not administered, a claim for medical malpractice may be justified. To assess your concerns, speak with an experienced Oregon attorney.