Birth Injury Negligence - Injury to Mother

Negligence Causing Injury to Mother During Childbirth

Injuries and issues during childbirth can occur for various reasons and it is often very tricky to prove precisely who is at fault; in some cases complications during the pregnancy or labour itself can cause the problems – and this cannot be blamed upon the professionals trying to help.

In some cases, issues during childbirth can have adverse effects on the mother of the child including:

C-Section Errors
A C-section, or Caesarean Section is the surgical delivery of a baby through incisions made in the abdomen and uterus. This method of delivery is usually only used when normal delivery cannot take place, or in cases of high-risk pregnancies such as when the baby is in the breech position and can’t be re-positioned before labour commences. There are a range of risks when carrying out this procedure, for more information click here.

Use of Forceps
Forceps are smooth metal instruments that look like spoons or large tongs. They are designed to fit snugly around a baby’s head and are used by midwives to help the baby leave the birth canal if it is struggling to do so otherwise. Forceps can make labour less painful and drawn-out for the mother but there are risks when using this type of equipment. To find out more click here.

Misdiagnosis or Delays
Any kind of misdiagnosis or delay in treatment can be critical for mothers, particularly in the run up to, and during the delivery of a child. For more information click here.

Anaesthetic Errors
Pain control during childbirth can have a huge impact on the nature of the birth, both from a physical and psychological perspective. Epidural Anaesthesia involves an anaesthetic being injected into the spine in order to stop patients feeling any pain during childbirth. Any mistake in terms of dosage or the insertion of the injection can have devastating results for the mother. For more information click here.

Infection or stitching Errors
Whether the birth has taken place naturally or with medical intervention, there is often a risk of tearing during childbirth, or in the case of a C-Section the wound will need to be stitched up and allowed to heal properly. Any problems with cuts, tears or scars can increase the risk of infection for the mother which in turn can bring a range of complications. For more information click here.