Any Oregon woman who has had more than one child understands that each pregnancy is unique. Certain pre-existing issues, such as a mother’s age and health disorders (maternal high blood pressure or diabetes, etc.), may mean that a particular pregnancy is considered at high risk for health problems or birth injuries. The average obstetrician or midwife knows that there are numerous resources available for helping to prevent injuries to infants and their mothers leading up to, during or following childbirth.
Prenatal visits and ultrasound testing help prevent birth injuries
Advanced technology has enabled OB-GYNs to be able to view the inside of a womb through ultrasound imaging. This helps prevent birth injuries because it allows a medical professional to monitor the size of the baby and his or her position in the uterus. If a mother is in a high-risk category, her doctor may order numerous ultrasounds throughout her pregnancy to help keep her and her baby, safe.
Scheduled or emergency C-sections help moms and babies stay safe
A cesarean section can also help avoid birth injuries. An OB-GYN might schedule this surgery ahead of time if he or she determines that it wouldn’t be safe for a particular woman to try to deliver her baby vaginally. There are also issues that may arise during labor and delivery that would prompt an emergency C-section.
Failure to diagnose or to take action can cause birth injuries
Most birth injuries are preventable. A woman who is navigating pregnancy, labor and delivery can reasonably expect that her doctor will diagnose any adverse health condition that may place her or her child at risk. She can also expect her doctor to take swift action if issues arise that would make a C-section necessary. If a birth injury occurs because of medical negligence, a parent may act on behalf of an infant to seek financial recovery for damages in a civil court.