The birth of an infant is one of life’s most memorable moments for a parent. Giving birth is also poses a lot of uncertainty. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 700 pregnant persons die during pregnancy, childbirth or shortly after delivery. The CDC states that appropriate medical intervention could reduce maternal mortality cases.
To ensure the health and safety of everyone involved, medical personnel must carefully and quickly address any childbirth complications that arise. To prevent deaths and future medical malpractice cases, those overseeing mother and baby care should look for common childbirth conditions.
Uterine rupture
The uterine wall may tear during childbirth. If a tear occurs, the fetus can slide into the parent’s abdomen, leading to severe bleeding and suffocation. If the rupture extends clear through the wall of the uterus, the parent and infant likely face serious health implications like disability or death.
Since uterine tears likely occur during the early birthing process, medical professionals overseeing the birth should identify and correct this complication.
Shoulder dystocia
Shoulder dystocia occurs if the baby is too big for the birthing parent’s pubic bone or if the infant is abnormally positioned and one of their shoulders might become stuck. If the medical team mishandles this condition, the infant might suffer from clavicle fractures or nerve damage, including Erb’s palsy. However, if adequately treated by the physician and nurses, the risk of a brachial plexus injury diminishes drastically.
With rising maternal and infant mortality rates, knowing what childbirth conditions to look out for may save lives.
