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Though relatively infrequent, injuries in the perinatal period—the time prior to and just after birth—can be devastating for families and lead to costly malpractice suits for hospitals. According to the latest data from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, nearly 91% of ob/gyns have had at least one liability claim filed against them, and 62% of the total claims were for obstetrics care, involving such cases as neurologically impaired or stillborn infants.

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Articles of Interest

A Top 10 List of Common Birth Injuries

A birth injury is defined as the structural destruction or functional deterioration of an infant’s body due to a traumatic event at birth. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Some of these injuries are avoidable when appropriate care is available, and others are part of the delivery process that can occur even when clinicians practice extreme caution.” And most of the time, birth injuries are typically indicative of a medical mistake that was likely the cause of a traumatic experience to the fetus or newborn.

Birth Trauma: Introduction

Since 1981, because of refinements in obstetric techniques and the increased use of cesarean deliveries over difficult vaginal deliveries, a dramatic decline has occurred in birth injuries as a cause of neonatal death.

Everything You Should Know About Birth Injuries

Seven birth injuries occur for every 1,000 children that are born in the U.S. While high-risk populations and those with certain genetic predispositions tend to approach labor with caution, some of these injuries may be preventable.

Types of Birth Injuries

Medical accidents are unfortunate, but they often occur. Perhaps the worst among them happens during child delivery. Birth injury includes any harm to a baby during, shortly after, or even before the delivery. Birth injuries affect 7 in 1000 newborns and, in many cases, are largely preventable.

Umbilical Cord Breaks During Delivery: Understanding Umbilical Cord Issues in Childbirth

Suppose the umbilical cord is compressed, torn, or completely severed during the birth process. The flow of blood and, consequently, the oxygen supply to a baby’s brain is cut off. This can result in varying degrees of brain damage or even death.

Resources

4 Things Children With Birth Injuries And Their Parents Should Know That Could Be Worth Lots Of Money

I've been living with a condition called cerebral palsy for nearly 31 years now. It's a disease most commonly resulting from a birth injury and it can't be passed on genetically, which explains why my twin sister doesn't have a disability.

Birth Injury Center

Through educational content and legal guidance, the Birth Injury Center aims to empower and support families who have become victims of medical negligence.

Birth Injury Guide

A comprehensive resource for families coping with birth injuries.

Stanford Medicine

Occasionally during the birth process, the baby may suffer a physical injury that is simply the result of being born. This is sometimes called birth trauma or birth injury.

StatPearls

The clinical management and prognosis of infants with birth injuries vary widely depending on the injury's type and severity. The common sites for birth trauma can include the head, neck, and shoulders. Other less common locations include the face, abdomen, and lower limbs.