Issues in labor and delivery can lead to complications

Many women dream of have a labor and delivery that’s easy and that goes by the book. They likely don’t expect that they’re going to suffer harm or having issues during the process. It’s imperative that the nurses and other caregivers who are taking care of the woman during this time monitor her closely, so they can ensure she and the baby are both faring well.

While they are largely uncommon, there are some issues that might manifest during labor. Some of these include:

• Uterine rupture: This occurs when there’s a tear in the wall of the uterus that leads to hemorrhaging. The woman will need surgery if this occurs. In some cases, she will need a hysterectomy but it’s usually possible to repair the tear.
• Shoulder dystocia: This means that the baby’s shoulders are wider than the birth canal, and the baby can get stuck. This can lead to tearing of the cervix, rectum or vagina. The baby may suffer nerve damage or hypoxia-related conditions.
• Retained placenta: This happens when the placenta remains attached to the uterine wall for 30 minutes or longer after the baby is delivered. Medications to stimulate contractions might be given to try to get the body to deliver the placenta. If that doesn’t work, the doctor may have to manually extract the placenta, but there are cases when surgery is necessary.

Any woman who suffers harm during labor and delivery or who has a baby who’s injured during this time should ensure they get the medical care they need for those injuries. When negligence is a component of the incident, seeking compensation for the financial damages is possible. This type of case has strict requirements and time limits, so be sure that you take the necessary steps quickly.