According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 30% of women have reported to have been mistreated by healthcare providers during pregnancy; and about 45% felt like they were held back from asking questions or sharing their concerns. Proper antenatal care allows medical teams to identify and treat any underlying maternal risks ahead of time. It effectively mitigates any chance of birth complications or injuries from happening.
In 2019, there have been about 3.75 million recorded live births in the US alone – ignoring stillbirths or miscarriages. On the other hand, there have been about 5.51 million recorded pregnancies nationwide. The disparity between these figures further underscores the importance of proper prenatal care; one where the overall well-being of both mother and child are cared for.
If a negligent healthcare provider has caused your miscarriage – or any sort of injury to your family – they may be held liable for all damages you’ve incurred. Families may legally seek compensation through a medical malpractice claim.
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Important Maternal Risk Factors Needed to be Addressed
Several maternal risk factors have been strongly associated with birth trauma. Through proper evaluations, medical teams can identify and plan around said factors. In a nutshell, healthcare providers must foster good maternal health to ensure that they are best suited for delivery.
Some of the most common maternal risk factors associated with birth trauma include:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Cephalopelvic disproportion (hips are too small)
- Small maternal stature
- Primiparity (first time mother)
Failing to address these risk factors could make the whole birthing process difficult – causing distress to both mother and child. Such distress, when further mismanaged, can lead to long-term adverse conditions that can alter the life of an entire family.
Good maternal health also translates to good natal health. Ensuring that the baby is well nourished also raises its survivability.
Adverse Events Caused by Poor Prenatal Care
Inadequate monitoring and management of maternal health risks can have severe consequences for both mother and child, potentially leading to long-term health issues or even death. Birth injuries may arise due to the negligence of a medical team/facility.
Mismanaged pregnancies and births can result in the following long-term conditions:
- Cerebral palsy
- Brachial plexus injuries (Erb's palsy)
- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Skull fractures
- Intracranial hemorrhage
- Facial nerve palsy
- Developmental delays
- Cognitive impairments
- Hearing or vision loss
All medical expenses (past and future) are considered in a medical malpractice claim. In birth injury cases, compensation ensures that an injured child is provided with all the necessary support for their growth and development.
Apart from medical expenses, other economic and non-economic losses are also factored in. Lost income, emotional trauma, and decreased quality of life are some of the more common considerations. For actual compensation figures, please refer to our previous wins.
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How Does Proper Antenatal Care Look Like?
Proper antenatal care is crucial for ensuring both mother and baby's health and well-being throughout pregnancy; up until childbirth. Doctors must properly educate and address the concerns of their patients during this entire duration.
Proper antenatal care typically includes:
- Regular check-ups with healthcare providers
- Comprehensive health screenings
- Routine ultrasounds and fetal monitoring
- Nutritional counseling and supplementation
- Vaccinations (e.g., flu shot, Tdap, etc.)
- Management of pre-existing conditions
- Education on pregnancy, childbirth, and infant care
- Mental health assessments and support
- Lifestyle advice (exercise, diet, substance avoidance)
- Genetic testing and counseling when appropriate
This comprehensive approach to antenatal care helps identify and address potential risks early; promotes maternal and fetal health; and prepares expectant parents for childbirth and parenthood. Regular, quality care significantly reduces the likelihood of complications and contributes to better outcomes for both mother and child.
Speak to a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Today
At the Porter Law Group, our team of proven medical malpractice lawyers delivers ideal results. We take pride in helping families rebuild after unfavorable circumstances. We operate on a contingency basis – meaning you do not need to pay us anything unless we win your case. Through this approach, we can better support families during their times of need.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, please reach out to us for a non-obligatory free case evaluation. You can also contact us at 833-PORTER9 or info@porterlawteam.com to schedule a consultation.
