Medical negligence during labor and delivery in Philadelphia can cause serious complications for a mother and baby. However, such negligence can be difficult to detect at the moment and may require extensive investigation to uncover ultimately.
Common signs of medical malpractice in these settings include:
- A failure to monitor fetal distress
- Delayed emergency C-sections
- Improper use of delivery tools like forceps or a vacuum extractor
- Medication errors
- A failure to recognize or treat maternal complications.
When any of these failures cause injury to a mother or baby, the resulting harm may be the result of negligence rather than an unavoidable complication.
Failure to Monitor Fetal Distress
Continuous fetal heart rate monitoring is standard practice during labor because it can reveal early signs that a baby is not getting enough oxygen. A delay in recognizing an abnormal heart rate pattern can allow oxygen deprivation to continue longer than normal, increasing the risk of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy or cerebral palsy.
Delayed or Unnecessary Cesarean Section
When labor is not progressing safely, a timely C-section can prevent serious harm. Warning signs of negligence include a medical team that waited too long to order an emergency C-section despite clear signs of distress, or one that failed to have the necessary staff and equipment ready to act quickly once the decision was made.
Improper Use of Delivery Tools
Forceps and vacuum extractors are sometimes necessary to assist a difficult delivery, but improper use can cause serious harm.
Signs of misuse include:
- Excessive force was applied during the extraction
- Use of these tools when they were not medically appropriate
- Injuries such as skull fractures, brain bleeds, or facial nerve damage
In the worst cases, these tools can trigger permanent injury such as Erb’s palsy.
Medication Errors
Labor and delivery often involve medications such as Pitocin to induce or strengthen contractions, and epidurals for pain management. Administering the wrong dose, the wrong medication, or failing to monitor a mother’s and baby’s response to these drugs can cause complications.
Failure to Recognize Maternal Complications
Serious complications can arise during and after delivery, and prompt recognition is critical. Warning signs of negligence include a delayed response to:
- Preeclampsia or eclampsia
- Postpartum hemorrhage
- Infection
- Placental abruption or placenta previa
A delay in recognizing or treating these conditions can endanger both mother and baby.
Signs in the Baby After Birth
Some indicators of negligence, rather than a birth defect, become apparent only after delivery. These can include a low Apgar score at five and ten minutes or difficulty breathing. It can also include seizures shortly after birth, unusual limpness, or a diagnosis of a birth injury.
What to Do if You Suspect Negligence
If you believe your or your baby’s delivery involved a preventable injury, you should request a complete copy of your medical records, including fetal monitoring strips, delivery notes, and nursing records. These documents can help a medical expert determine if a care team deviated from accepted medical standards during the birth process.
An experienced Philadelphia Erb’s Palsy attorney can review your medical records and help you understand your legal options. Call Morris Wilson Knepp Jacquette, P.C. to schedule a free consultation.