Most pregnancies are normal and result in a healthy mother and child. However, recent statistics from the Centers For Disease Control shows a 75 percent increase in birth injuries and complications in the period from 1999 to 2009.
Hospitals are seeing an increase in medical problems in mothers, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. Women are also waiting longer to have children, so age is becoming a factor as well. Even a seemingly healthy mother can suddenly go into cardiac arrest. In the past, the health worries centered on the baby, but now thoughts are turning to the idea that even a healthy mother may have a complicated pregnancy.
CDC statistics show that the United States has the highest rate of maternal deaths among industrialized countries. In an effort to combat this growing problem, some hospitals are conducting practice drills for situations such as a mother in the late stages of labor with a breech birth. Drills such as these keep the hospital staff sharp and ready to deal with the unexpected complications that can arise during childbirth.
Injuries at birth can have a lasting impact on a family whether the issue is the baby, the mother or both. If the hospital fails to react in an appropriate manner to an emergency and the inaction results in a birth injury, the family may consult with a medical malpractice attorney to check options for possible compensation. This will help the family and the victim with the issues that come with brain injury, cerebral palsy or hypoxia.
Source: 10TV.com, “CDC Report Indicates Sharp Increase In Childbirth Complications ,” Jan. 3, 2013