It’s estimated that about four million women in the U.S. give birth each year, usually in a hospital or similar medical setting. Women who choose to give birth in hospitals deserve to rightfully trust that their doctors, nurses, and other medical staff will make every necessary medical decision in a safe and efficient manner. Unfortunately, however, this isn’t always the case: in 2006 alone, for example, over 157,000 mothers and newborns suffered “potentially avoidable” injuries during childbirth, and the problem persists to this day.
All expecting parents should be aware of steps they can take to proactively reduce the risks of birth injuries and help ensure a safe and healthy delivery.
Choose a doctor carefully – It goes without saying that choosing an experienced and highly-qualified doctor is imperative for your and your baby’s health and well-being. Shockingly, though, many expecting parents choose their obstetricians simply by searching the internet, and some choose to remain under the care of particular doctors even when they are uncomfortable or unsatisfied with the answers to their questions. These decisions can put both you and your baby at risk and should never be made without caution and preparation.
You are allowed, even obligated, to inquire about your potential doctor’s experience, qualifications, work habits, references from previous patients, and anything else that may be relevant to your labor and delivery when the time comes. If you have a particularly high-risk pregnancy which may require special knowledge or care, consider speaking with a perinatologist.
Learn about fetal monitoring – When you are in labor or preparing to be induced for labor, nurses will keep track of your baby’s vital signs using electronic fetal monitoring (EFM). All medical staff members are likely to be trained in the use of this equipment, and you are welcome to ask for a rundown of how it works, what the numbers mean, and how it warns of any weak vital signs. It may not come in handy, especially under the supervision of these trained professionals at all times, but will certainly be more comforting to know.
Have at least one person with you in the labor/delivery room – Mothers going into labor are understandably stressed, in pain, and perhaps even frightened, and this may create reluctance to express concerns to medical staff and have every important question answered. For this reason, the importance of having at least a spouse/lover, friend, or relative present to advocate on your behalf cannot be stressed enough.
If you or your child was injured during childbirth due to medical malpractice, contact America’s Consumer Lawyer for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you. Lastly, America’s Consumer Lawyer is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.
