Common Birth Injuries To Mothers

Having a baby is an exciting time for the new parents. While childbirth is an everyday occurrence, it’s not always safe. Sadly, injuries and complications can occur.

When people think about birth injuries, they tend to think about the baby — not the mother. However, women can suffer significant injuries during childbirth. Some of these injuries  can have long-term effects on their bodies.  While most deliveries occur with few to no complications, it is important to be aware that birth injuries can occur in rare circumstances and cause serious harm.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

This is one of the most common issues that can occur after childbirth — this occurs when the uterus or bladder sags down into the vagina due to weakened pelvic floor muscles, causing chronic pain. Any type of physical activity can cause immense discomfort. In severe cases — classified as a stage 4 prolapse — the organ will have slipped outside of the body entirely. Statistics show that more than 30% of women suffer from a pelvic floor disorder, which includes prolapse, urinary incontinence, and fecal incontinence. Approximately 80% of those women have given birth.

Vaginal Tears

Vaginal tears are also common occurrences during delivery. In fact, 95% of first-time mothers develop them. If the baby’s head is too big to fit through the vagina, it could cause stretching and lead to tears. Tears may also be caused by the baby’s positioning, forceps, or births that happen too quickly. Tears can range from mild to severe and can lead to issues such as incontinence and pain during sex.

Uterine Rupture

While rare, a uterine rupture can cause serious and even fatal complications. It can happen during labor and delivery. Uterine ruptures can occur when a scar from a previous C-section ruptures during a subsequent vaginal delivery. When this happens, the baby, the placenta, or both may go into the mother’s abdominal cavity. This can cause injuries, hemorrhaging, and even death.

Nerve Injury

Nerve damage can also occur during childbirth. Injury to the femoral nerves, which are located in the pelvis, are common and can cause weakness or numbness in the legs. Nerve damage can also lead to incontinence. When nerves are compressed or tissue is stretched, nerve damage can also occur.

Broken Bones

Childbirth can also lead to broken bones, particularly the coccyx, also known as the tailbone, or  separated pubic symphysis. With a separated pubic symphysis, the baby’s head may cause a section of cartilage to separate and cause a gap. This can cause many months of pain and discomfort. With a fractured coccyx, the mother’s tailbone may bruise or fracture due to pressure from the baby’s head.

 Contact Us Today 

Birth trauma is rare and most deliveries are happy occasions. However, when the negligence of a doctor or nurse causes injuries to a mother or child, these medical providers  can be held liable for damages.

If you or your baby has been injured by medical negligence, seek legal help from the Columbia birth trauma lawyers at Simmons Law Firm. We’ll help you discuss your legal options and investigate your case further. Schedule a free consultation by calling (803) 779-4600 or filling out the online form.

Source:

motherjones.com/politics/2017/01/childth-injuries-prolapse-cesarean-section-natural-childbirth/