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The news of a pregnancy can bring a lot of joy to the life of you and your partner. However, if a doctor provides substandard prenatal care or makes a mistake during delivery and the mother or child is harmed, the family may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. Here are some of the most common scenarios that warrant such claims. 

3 Common Pregnancy, Labor, & Delivery Errors

1. Inadequate Intervention for Preeclampsia 

Preeclampsia is a fairly common complication characterized by high blood pressure. It usually develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy and if left untreated, can cause life-threatening complications for both the mother and child. As such, obstetricians must check for the signs of preeclampsia at every prenatal visit. If the patient exhibits any such signs, OB-GYNs have a duty to prescribe the necessary interventions. Should they breach this duty, the patient could have grounds for a medical malpractice suit in the event of any complications.

2. Forceful Deliveries 

medical malpracticeIf OB-GYNs are too forceful during delivery, the baby can sustain mild to severe injuries. For example, vacuum extractions can cause caput succedaneum, which is essentially bruising on the infant’s scalp. Such extractions can also cause cephalohematoma, which is characterized by blood pooling between the cranial bone and the skin. If the infant is in a contorted position or too large for the vaginal canal but the OB-GYN fails to order a cesarean section, bone fractures or nerve damage can result. 

3. Insufficient Aftercare 

All infants require attentive care following birth, even if they're not in the neonatal intensive care unit. When doctors and nurses fail to provide this care, the babies can develop both short-term complications like malnutrition and long-term issues like stunted development. Unfortunately, while new parents may do their best to advocate for their little ones, they may not necessarily know precisely what their babies need. 

 

If you think you have grounds for a medical malpractice claim following a traumatic pregnancy or delivery, contact Gregory S. Young Co., L.P.A. Since 1958, this personal injury firm has been counseling clients throughout Ohio and Kentucky. Comprised of 12 lawyers, their team is available 24/7 to take your call. Whether you were hurt in an auto crash, work accident, or slip and fall, they can help you seek compensation for the damages. To find the office nearest you, visit their website. To request your free medical malpractice case evaluation, call (513) 721-1077.

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