Category: Birth Injury

The early signs of birth asphyxia and brain damage usually show up when a newborn has trouble breathing, poor color, weak movement, low muscle tone, feeding problems, or unusual alertness after delivery. That’s the basic answer, though the situation can feel anything but basic when it’s happening in real time. Birth asphyxia happens when a baby doesn’t get enough oxygen before, during, or shortly after birth. When oxygen deprivation during birth affects the brain, doctors may use terms like neonatal encephalopathy or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Those are clinical words,[...]

It is hard to keep up with all the advances in medical technology, but that’s a good thing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this is one reason the average lifespan is 77.5 years. That life clock begins at birth, and that is also where medical technology is at its finest. When a baby is born prematurely or with some injury or defect, the baby will be placed in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Specially trained staff will provide around-the-clock care for the[...]

When you’re expecting a baby, you’re usually over the moon with excitement, planning their name, decorating the nursery, buying all the baby items you can think of (even some you don’t really need), and celebrating with your friends and family. Then, it’s time. You head to the hospital, ready to finally hold your little bundle of joy. You don’t expect something to go wrong during the delivery. You never thought something completely unpreventable might happen to your baby. But it has. Now you’re faced with the unforeseen reality[...]

When parents find themselves navigating a journey they never envisioned – a journey marked by a birth injury in their precious child, it can test the depths of their resilience, strength, and love, challenging them to redefine the very essence of what it means to be a parent.  The first question that’s often asked is, “What are the treatment options if my child has a birth injury?”  There are many treatment options for infants who’ve suffered a birth injury. The exact treatment that’s best for your child will,[...]

Marginal cord insertion occurs when the umbilical cord is inserted into the margin of the placenta rather than the center. This is an atypical condition that can occur during a pregnancy. The danger of a marginal cord insertion stems from the fact that blood flow to the fetus can be restricted, leading to potential growth challenges and an increased risk of birth injuries. When managed correctly, however, most marginal cord insertions do not cause harm. (more…)

The medical term for a pregnant woman’s water breaking is the rupture of membranes. It’s a natural part of bringing a baby into this world. However, if it happens too soon, it can be dangerous for the mother and baby. (more…)

Seizures in infants can be much more difficult to identify than those suffered by adults. The convulsions most commonly associated with seizures are rare in infancy. But early detection is critical. During this period of rapid brain development, a seizure can inflict trauma that can stunt a child’s cognitive growth, lead to learning impairments, cause permanent brain damage, and ultimately slow overall development. In rare cases, a seizure can be fatal to a young child. (more…)

If you've ever been in a birthing suite, whether delivering a child yourself or supporting a loved one with their childbirth process, then you're likely aware of how tense it can be in that environment. The situation is not all that different in an operating room if you undergo a Caesarean section (C-section). In both situations, there are a lot of people crowded into a very small room, and you and your baby's health and safety are contingent upon everyone knowing their role and doing what they're trained[...]

Giving birth is already a stressful, painful experience. You hope that all the pain is worth it so that you can leave the hospital with your happy and healthy newborn. However, that’s not always the case. If something goes wrong unexpectedly or the doctor in charge of your delivery makes a mistake, then your child could suffer from birth injuries. (more…)