Some of the common causes behind birth injuries include:
- Prolonged labor – The doctor has allowed the mother to remain in labor for too long. By definition, labor is a traumatic process for the baby, who must leave the uterus and traverse through the birth canal. The longer that labor lasts, the more of a risk of injury to the baby. Roughly 8 percent of women giving birth experience prolonged labor, which places the baby at greater risk.
- Oxygen deprivation – The labor process constricts the baby’s oxygen supply. The placenta can separate from the uterus, cutting the baby’s oxygen. Even moderate loss of oxygen can lead to serious long-term injury. Other causes of oxygen deprivation include a prolapsed umbilical cord, a difficult delivery, or the baby’s blocked airways.
- Failure to monitor the mother and baby – Doctors need to keep a continuous watch over the health of both the mother and baby during the labor and delivery process. This monitoring starts even before delivery to detect any potential problems during the delivery. Many birth injuries happen when the doctor is unaware of the mother’s risk factors or that the baby is in any form of distress.
