New York Malpractice & Injury Lawyer Blog
As you begin to prepare for the delivery of your child, you are excited, anxious and perhaps a little bit stressed. It is no surprise. You are about to embark on one of the most thrilling journeys of your life: parenthood. The closer you get to your due date, the more prepared you become. You are building a nursery, gathering clothing and necessary supplies, and mentally preparing yourself for life with an infant. The last thing you are thinking about is a birth injury.
Unfortunately, thousands of newborns fall victim to birth injury. If your doctor has not spoken with you about which infants are most at risk, read on. While any newborn can be injured at birth, there are factors that increase your child’s risk greatly.
Size
When a baby is too large or a mother is too small, complications can arise. When the infant and mother are not in proportion, a healthy, vaginal birth may not be an option. When the size of the baby or mother is not taken into account, the baby can remain in the birth canal for an extended period of time, causing distress. Unnecessary birth injuries may be the result of a prolonged labor and delivery.
Abnormal Position
Close to a week before your delivery date, your doctor should be able to determine the position of your baby. Breech or face-first presentations are considered abnormal, and both of these positions put your baby at risk of birth injury. A C-section may be your option of choice in these instances.
Premature Delivery
Any infant born before 37 weeks gestation is considered premature. These infants are at an increased risk for birth injury. If your doctor suspects that you are at risk to delivery prematurely, steps should be taken to assist you in carrying your infant to term.
The most common birth injuries that occur in a premature delivery are fractures, lacerations and oxygen deprivation.
If you believe that you or your baby are at risk for birth complications or you simply have questions about those risks, speak to your doctor. If you have already delivered and your child was injured, speak with an attorney.
Call our offices today for assistance. A member of our team will review your case at no cost to you and advise you of your options. You have rights and so does your child. Call us now or browse our website for more information about how our firm can assist your family.