Common Types of Preventable Birth Injuries 

Hearing that your child was born with a birth injury can be alarming. Parents may be concerned about how their child acquired the injury and what it means for them long-term. With proper prenatal care, women can feel more at ease knowing their child has a lower risk of experiencing a preventable birth injury. At The Bellinger Law Office, we’re here to help women understand common types of preventable birth injuries and what they can do to protect their babies. 

What Is a Birth Injury?

While a birth defect is a health condition that affects a baby in the womb, a birth injury is a harm or damage that occurs during labor and delivery. Most birth injuries occur due to intense pressure that occurs during labor, but some injuries are preventable before birth. An attorney at The Bellinger Law Office. can help you understand common birth injuries and what this means for parents. 

What Contributes to Preventable Birth Injuries?

Preventable birth injuries can have varying causes but often result from medical carelessness occurring during labor and over the course of pregnancy. Here are some common types of preventable birth injuries:

1. Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects an individual’s mobility, including their balance and posture. There are several types of cerebral palsy, and not all types are caused by a birth injury. The exact cause of cerebral palsy is unknown, but doctors have found factors that can contribute to the condition. One potential cause of cerebral palsy is oxygen deprivation, also known as asphyxia. When a baby doesn’t receive enough oxygen and blood flow to the brain during labor, it can lead to a birth injury. Cerebral palsy becomes a preventable birth injury when a doctor neglects to address a medical issue during labor. For example, if the umbilical cord becomes wrapped around the baby’s neck during labor, it can cause asphyxia to occur. Doctors should monitor the baby during labor to ensure this doesn’t occur and take immediate action if the cord is wrapped around the neck. Failure to do so in a timely manner could result in a preventable birth injury. 

2. Pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia is usually categorized by three different symptoms: high blood pressure, swelling of hands and feet, and protein in the urine. Some women have no symptoms, but high blood pressure is the most common feature. Pre-eclampsia usually occurs in women whose blood pressure had previously been normal but has risen during their pregnancy. Regular routine checkups can help doctors diagnose a woman with pre-eclampsia before she gives birth. Pre-eclampsia becomes a preventable birth injury when left untreated. If doctors know that a woman has pre-eclampsia and doesn’t take necessary treatments prior to birth, it can increase the risk of a preventable birth injury, such as low birth weight or issues with the placenta. 

3. Bone Fractures

Bone fractures can be another preventable birth injury. Some fractures occur due to a birth defect or disease that the baby has. However, if a doctor is too rough during labor and fails to safely deliver the baby, bone fractures can occur. When this occurs, it is considered to be medical negligence, and parents can hire an attorney to potentially be compensated for their child’s injury. 

Contact Our Trusted Team Today

If your child experienced a preventable birth injury, an attorney at The Bellinger Law Office. is here to help you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact our team today to learn more about our services.