Some parents secretly wish for a boy or a girl, but all parents want a baby that is healthy. Regular check-ups and good prenatal care go a long way to ensuring that.
However, complications during labor or delivery can result in birth injuries and, in the most severe outcomes, cerebral palsy.
What is cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy (CP) is caused by brain damage or abnormal brain development. It’s a neurological condition affecting a person’s ability to move and maintain balance. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include poor coordination, difficulty speaking, muscle stiffness and possibly intellectual disabilities.
The effects of CP can last a lifetime, but early intervention and therapy can lead to significant improvements. CP typically occurs during birth when the baby’s brain isn’t receiving enough oxygen or is physically injured. Some of these injuries leading to CP include:
Oxygen deprivation: The brain requires a steady supply of oxygen, especially as the baby transitions to life outside the womb. A wrapped umbilical cord, prolonged labor or issues with the placenta can all lead to brain damage.
Physical trauma: If improper techniques or excessive force are used during delivery, the baby’s skull or brain tissue can sustain injury.
Brain bleeds: Intracranial hemorrhage, or bleeding within the brain, can occur if there is trauma during delivery. The pressure from the blood can put pressure on the baby’s delicate brain tissue.
The unfortunate fact is that some of these birth injuries can be avoidable, mainly when they occur due to medical negligence. In other words, the healthcare provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care, such as:
- Failing to monitor fetal distress or respond to the warning signs
- Delayed decision-making regarding emergency interventions
- The misuse of delivery tools such as forceps or vacuum extractors
Parents have the right to seek answers and hold the healthcare provider accountable. Caring for a child with CP requires significant resources, such as ongoing physical, occupational, and speech therapy, doctor visits and specialized equipment. Compensation from a medical malpractice lawsuit can help with those costs. The first step is discussing the situation with someone who understands the legal system and can provide guidance throughout the process.