Brain injuries* occur mainly because of complications that arise during child birth. The doctor in charge may not have used proper medical procedures to assist in the safe delivery of the baby. Brain injuries* are one of the most commonest form of damage newborns endure. A brain injury* during birth generally happens because of a lack of oxygen to the baby. When this situation arises the attending doctor should be prepared to assist with the delivery in a careful and quick manner. The longer a baby goes without adequate oxygen to his or her brain, the more serious a brain injury* he or she will have.
Brain injuries* at birth
In some instances brain injuries* or other form of injuries* occur for no apparent reason and no one is to blame for them. However, a number of injuries* to newborns are due to medical negligence. Below are a list of proper procedures and conduct obstetricians are supposed to follow during delivery:
- be prepared for any complications that can occur during child birth, especially with larger babies
- respond suitably to haemorrhaging
- act quickly and carefully when an umbilical cord is wrapped around the baby’s neck
- respond in a timely and appropriate manner if foetal distress occurs e.g. an abnormal heart rate
- use forceps or vacuum extraction equipment properly
- order a c-section when necessary, without delay
- administer medication suitably.
If you believe your obstetrician may not have followed proper procedures and your baby was harmed, contact Liam Moloney Solicitor at 045 898000 as soon as possible for further advice concerning your rights.