Although the United States is a global leader in healthcare advancements, the level of care provided to new mothers does not match this status. Tragically, our nation has one of the highest maternal mortality rates. As far as maternal injuries, more than 40 million women experience long-term health problems following childbirth. If you experienced injuries during childbirth, the birth injury lawyers for mothers at Marzella & Associates would like to assist you in filing a claim.
Childbirth is Traumatic to the Mother’s Body
As an expectant parent, you may research nutrition, supplements, and general practices to ensure that your child remains healthy during pregnancy. Understandably, your baby’s health is your top priority, but you may not consider what complications you may encounter during childbirth.
Common birth injuries to the mother include:
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
During delivery, the levator ani muscle is stretched by 1.5 to 3 times its original length. This muscle supports the other pelvic floor muscles. While pelvic floor dysfunction is seen in more than one-third of women each year, it is most often caused by difficult vaginal deliveries. Women who suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction may experience urinary incontinence, painful intercourse, and constipation.
Vaginal or Perineal Tearing
Vaginal tearing occurs when an infant’s head is too large to pass through the vaginal opening, tearing delicate tissue. Vaginal tearing involves damage to the perineum (the tissue around the anus and vagina), which is why it is referred to as a perineal tear. Perineal tears range from first to fourth degree, with third- and fourth-degree tears sometimes requiring surgical intervention.
Uterine Rupture
A uterine rupture occurs when your uterus ruptures or tears open. A uterine rupture may involve all three layers of the uterine wall, tearing open, or an incomplete rupture that tears through only some layers. Uterine rupture is more likely if you attempt a vaginal delivery after previously delivering via caesarean section. Other risk factors include uterine trauma, a history of uterine surgery, if your baby required manual turning during delivery (if they were breech), prolonged labor, and multiple births.
Pelvic Floor Prolapse
Our pelvic floors support our uterus, bladder, and rectum. Childbirth is a major cause of pelvic floor prolapse, weakening the muscles of the pelvic floor through stretching and vaginal tears. When the pelvic floor muscles are weakened, one or more organs drop out of their normal positions. In severe cases, an organ may extend outside the vagina, causing a visible bulge. Symptoms of pelvic floor prolapse may include a feeling of fullness in the vagina or pelvis, pain during intercourse, and changes during urination and defecation.
Postpartum Hemorrhage
After a baby is delivered, the uterus contracts, allowing the placenta to be delivered. The contraction clamps down on the blood vessels that attach to the placenta to prevent further bleeding. A postpartum hemorrhage occurs when there is more than one liter of blood loss at delivery. Common causes of postpartum hemorrhage include the uterus failing to contract after birth, placental abruption (the early detachment of the placenta from the uterus), or a retained placenta (when placental fragments remain in the uterus).
How Can a Birth Injury Lawyer Help Me?
If you experienced an injury while giving birth, a birth injury lawyer can assess the necessary medical evidence to determine potential negligence. Common evidence in a birth injury case may include your medical records during your pregnancy, as well as the physician’s notes during labor and delivery, to see if the proper medications were administered. Our legal team will consult with expert witnesses to determine if any of the information raises a red flag regarding liability. If we believe that your physician was liable, we will handle the claims process on your behalf.
Injured While Giving Birth? Contact Our Birth Injury Attorneys Today
While expecting a child should be an occasion filled with joy, complications can arise. At Marzella & Associates, we prioritize mothers’ health. Our legal team believes that you deserve the highest standard of care from your treating physician or OB/GYN. If there is information indicating that your treating provider was careless, our team will uncover it. To arrange a free consultation with one of our Harrisburg birth injury lawyers, contact us online or by phone at (717) 876-8681.