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A midwife’s error in judgment can result in devastating consequences for you and your child. Midwife malpractice can occur in providing prenatal care, during labor and delivery, or even postpartum. If you suffered a birthing error caused by a midwife’s negligence, our Harrisburg, PA, midwife malpractice attorneys are more than happy to assist you in navigating your medical malpractice claim.

What is a Midwife?

A midwife is a healthcare provider who assists expectant mothers through pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum care. Midwives often work alongside obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYN) to provide prenatal and neonatal care. Some midwives even take on the medical tasks performed by gynecologists, such as pelvic exams, pap smears, and birth control administration.

Midwives typically take on a more holistic approach to medicine and are recommended for low-risk pregnancies. If a certified nurse midwife administers your care, the provider can order lab tests, diagnose, and prescribe medications. However, if you do have complications or risk factors during your pregnancy, it is recommended that your midwife collaborate with an OB/GYN.

What Does Midwife Malpractice Include?

A midwife may make any of the following errors while treating a patient:

Failing to Refer a Patient to a Physician

If a complication arises, a midwife should refer you to an OB/GYN or your local emergency department. Failure of a midwife to seek help from a physician may be grounds for a medical malpractice claim.

Failure in Monitoring a Baby’s Vital Signs

Continuous fetal monitoring is essential to track the baby’s heart rate and uterine contractions. Signs that the baby’s health is in jeopardy could be missed if vital signs are not taken regularly.

Attempting Assisted Vaginal Deliveries Without Proper Credentials

Only certified midwives and nurse midwives trained in forceps-assisted deliveries and vacuum extractions should perform these procedures.

Albeit, while forceps deliveries are more effective than vacuum extraction deliveries, forceps are only used in 1.1% of vaginal births. Even though less commonly used, a forceps-assisted delivery can eliminate the need for a cesarean section. A midwife who attempts an assisted delivery without adequate training may be held accountable for medical negligence.

Proving Medical Negligence

We trust physicians with our lives, believing that they will maintain the highest standard of care when treating our conditions. Sadly, physicians do not always adhere to this standard of care.

The following elements must be proven to establish that a midwife committed medical negligence:

Duty of Care

We expect all types of healthcare providers to use the highest level of care when treating us and our loved ones.

Dereliction of Duty

Also known as a “breach of duty,” this occurs when a midwife fails to consult an OB/GYN or physician or fails to adhere to the acceptable standard of care.

Direct Cause

You must demonstrate that the midwife’s actions were the direct cause of the injuries that you sustained. You do not have a valid malpractice claim unless you can show the relation between the midwife’s actions and the harm you endured.

Damages

Medical malpractice claims typically involve measurable losses. These are known as compensatory damages, including any losses you incurred due to your injuries. In addition to medical expenses, you may be able to recover compensation for lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

A Harrisburg, PA, Midwife Malpractice Attorney Advocating on Your Behalf

A healthcare provider should be held accountable for misconduct and wrongful actions. Our medical malpractice attorneys want to hear from you if you have been injured due to a midwife’s carelessness. We have experience representing clients who have suffered injuries at the hands of a midwife, helping them through the legal process. To schedule your free consultation, contact us online or by phone today.