Our Maryland readers, just the same as those in other parts of the United States, know the importance of infant health. If you are pregnant, it is of utmost importance to do whatever it takes to stay safe and healthy. This holds true both for you and your unborn child.
When the time comes to give birth, you should be confident that your medical team has what it takes to deal with anything that comes up along the way.
Unfortunately, there are times when an infant is injured at birth. Here are some of the most common physical birth injuries:
- Brachial plexus. This is when the upper part of the arm is injured, typically occurring during delivery.
- Erb’s palsy. This is a type of brachial plexus that includes damage to the nerves of the upper arm.
- Shoulder dystocia. Birth Injury Guide defines this as follows:
“Shoulder dystocia is a birth injury that occurs when an infant’s head and shoulders get trapped behind the mother’s pelvic bone during delivery.”
Although uncommon, this complication is extremely serious as it can lead to a variety of injuries.
If your delivery date is closing in, you should become familiar with the many types of physical birth injuries. You don’t want to scare yourself with all the information that is available, but you do want to become familiar with how things should be done as well as what could go wrong along the way. This will put your mind in a better place, while also giving you the knowledge you need if the time comes to take action against a negligent medical provider.
