A woman who’s pregnant expects to be able to go to the birth center or hospital to deliver her baby safely. They don’t expect to be cared for by negligent staff members who don’t pay attention to what’s going on and miss vital clues that something is terribly amiss.
When there’s a life-threatening problem during labor or delivery, it must be addressed quickly. These are two complications that might occur during labor and delivery that pregnant women and their medical care team should recognize.
1. Shoulder dystocia
Shoulder dystocia occurs during vaginal birth when the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone. This condition poses a serious risk to the baby because it can lead to oxygen deprivation since the head is already delivered. It can also cause significant tearing or bleeding for the mother. Health care professionals must act quickly and use specific maneuvers to safely deliver the baby and prevent serious issues from occurring.
2. Uterine rupture
Uterine rupture is a rare but severe complication when the wall of the uterus tears during pregnancy or childbirth. It most commonly occurs in women who have had previous uterine surgery, such as a cesarean section or fibroid removal, but can also happen spontaneously.
Uterine rupture can lead to life-threatening situations for the mother and the baby. These include severe blood loss and the need for a hysterectomy for the mother. It can lead to a lack of oxygen for the baby, which can result in brain damage or stillbirth. Immediate medical intervention, often requiring an emergency cesarean section, is crucial to prevent fatal outcomes.
Legal action is possible when medical negligence is a factor in these cases. Working with someone familiar with these matters can be beneficial to the victims so they can focus on healing while their case moves forward.