Medical Malpractice and Breech Births
The birth of a child is a wondrous moment, signifying a new and incredible chapter in your life. Unfortunately, this joy can turn into a nightmare when birth injuries occur, potentially jeopardizing a child’s health not only at birth but for years or even a lifetime. One of these birth injuries is a breech birth, where prompt medical intervention is vital. Inadequate medical care during pregnancy or delivery can lead to breech-related complications, resulting in developmental delays, cognitive challenges, or physical disabilities, impairing a child from becoming an independent adult. In this article, we discuss what you need to know about breech births and your legal options if your baby has suffered injuries due to a breech birth.
Understanding Breech Births
Typically, babies are born headfirst, allowing them to move through the birth canal smoothly, reducing the risk of injury to their head or limbs. However, in some instances, the baby is positioned feet or buttocks first instead of headfirst, a condition known as a breech position. According to the American Pregnancy Association, breech births occur in about 4% of all deliveries. There are four main types of breech presentations, namely:
- Complete Breech: The baby’s legs are folded at the knees, and both feet and buttocks point toward the birth canal.
- Frank Breech: The legs are straightened upward near the baby’s head, with the buttocks facing the birth canal.
- Footling Breech: One or both feet are positioned near the entrance to the birth canal.
- Kneeling Breech: Rarely, the baby’s knees point downward with legs folded behind the thighs.
Risks and Complications From Breech Births
When a baby is in a breech position, the delivery process becomes more complicated and riskier. Failure to address these risks appropriately can result in severe injuries, including:
- Head entrapment, which can lead to asphyxiation or head trauma
- Umbilical cord prolapse potentially causing brain damage or death
- Spinal and nerve damage
- Oxygen deprivation potentially resulting in brain injuries like cerebral palsy.
In the event of a breech birth, medical professionals may attempt a procedure known as an external cephalic version, where they try to manually reposition the baby by applying pressure to the mom’s abdomen. While this technique can be effective, improper force or mismanagement may worsen the situation, causing injuries to the baby or complications for the mother.
When natural delivery poses significant risks, a cesarean section is often the safest option. Failure to recommend or perform a timely C-section can expose the baby to unnecessary harm, such as bone fractures, nerve injuries, or even life-threatening complications.
Legal Options for Breech Birth Injuries
If your child’s injuries stemmed from a healthcare provider’s negligence, you may have grounds to file a medical malpractice claim. Proving malpractice requires showing that a medical professional failed to meet the expected standard of care. For instance, your medical malpractice lawyer could argue that the healthcare provider failed to detect a breech position during pregnancy, neglected to recommend a C-section promptly, or mishandled the delivery process.
Under Maryland law, medical professionals must provide competent care during childbirth, including obstetricians, nurses, and hospital staff. When this standard of care is not met, and injuries result, you may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, therapy expenses, educational expenses, and other damages.
A Towson Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Help
If your child has suffered due to a breech birth injury caused by medical negligence, contact our experienced Towson medical malpractice lawyer at Hardball Law serving Towson, Baltimore, and throughout Maryland to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve for your family’s needs.
Source:
americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/labor-and-birth/breech-presentation/
