Category: Birth Injuries

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 4 million babies were born in the United States in 2011. On average, six birth injuries occurred for every 1,000 live births—approximately 24,000 birth injuries per year.

Some of these injuries occur due to insufficient, inadequate, or negligent care provided by a physician.

Following are the steps your doctor should complete to reduce your risk of serious complications during labor and delivery:

1. Take a complete medical history early in the pregnancy, keeping record of high-risk pregnancy factors including weight, age, and health.
2. Perform prenatal tests including ultrasounds, blood-glucose tests, and stress tests on both mother and baby throughout the pregnancy. These tests will allow the doctor to monitor the baby’s development.
3. Discuss birthing methods, addressing the associated risks and benefits of each.
4. Talk about possible complications and explain assistive delivery methods prior to delivery to help eliminate confusion during labor.

 

Open and honest communication with your doctor is an important tool for reducing your risk of complications during childbirth. When you clearly communicate your questions, concerns, and symptoms, your doctor can take immediate steps to reduce your risk of a Chicago birth injury.

If your child suffered a serious birth injury and you are looking for a qualified Chicago birth injury lawyer to answer your questions, contact Lane Brown at 312-332-1400. Our knowledgeable and compassionate attorneys can help you find the answers you are looking for during a confidential and free case evaluation.

The arrival of a newborn is something that parents dream about for nine months.  Sadly, however, that dream can quickly turn into devastation when a baby sustains an unnecessary birth injury.

Birth injuries are fairly common—about 7 out of every 1000 live births involve a birth injury.  However many birth injuries can be prevented. Following are some important tips that may help protect your unborn child and lower your risk of a Chicago birth injury:

• Seek experienced prenatal care – As soon as you find out you are pregnant, find an experienced Illinois family physician or obstetrician/gynecologist to monitor your pregnancy.  Ask around and get personal recommendations for a doctor with a pleasant bedside manner.  Having a doctor you feel comfortable with can help make your pregnancy less stressful.
• Maintain a healthy diet and exercise – Be sure to eat a healthy diet and get moderate exercise—if your doctor recommends it.  Your doctor may give you a list of recommended foods as well as a list of foods to avoid during your pregnancy. In addition, your physician will probably prescribe prenatal vitamins to help provide your growing child with nutrients you may be lacking in your diet.
• Avoid medications – Many prescription and over-the-counter medications are harmful to developing babies—they may cause birth defects or other health issues. Be sure to check with your doctor before taking any medications.
• Be prepared – Decide what hospital to use for your delivery, your preferred birthing method, and your overall your labor and delivery philosophy before you go into labor. This will reduce your overall stress—a contributing factor to prolonged labor.
• Pay attention – Decreased baby movement near the end of a pregnancy could be cause for concern.  Communication between you and your doctor will help determine whether these concerns require medical attention.
• Seek additional medical help in the hospital – If you have concerns, or feel uncomfortable with your nurses or attending doctors, don’t be afraid to speak up.  Ask to speak with another doctor, or a Hospital Administrator.  This simple step could help avoid potential medical or nursing errors during your labor and delivery.

 

The tips listed above will help you to have a less stressful pregnancy. In addition, they may help you to avoid prolonged labor, which reduces the risk of a birth injury. In the event your child is seriously injured during labor and delivery, contact an experienced and compassionate Chicago birth injury attorney at Lane Brown. Call today at 312-332-1400 for a free consultation. You do not have to go it alone!