Understanding How Abnormal Birth Presentation in Oregon Medical Malpractice Cases Could be Prevented and Due to Negligence
Most people know that babies need to be in a head first position in order to safely deliver the baby. Sometimes, a baby will not naturally be in that position at the time that the mother needs to deliver the baby. In cases such as these, babies may be in another position that is not conducive to a safe labor. An example of this is a breech presentation. When the baby is breech, the healthcare provider must make a determination as to how the baby should be delivered. If the physician chooses to pursue a vaginal delivery with a known abnormal presentation, this puts both the mother and baby at risk. If complications occur as a result of this, it is considered negligence. Thus, abnormal birth presentation in Oregon medical malpractice cases could be prevented.
Presentations (Positions) of the Fetus
There are many positions a baby may be in at the time of labor and delivery. Abnormal birth presentation could be an issue. Some examples of the most common birth positions include the following:
- Cephalic Presentation – this is when the baby is positioned head first. This is the position the baby should be in for optimal delivery
- Occiput Posterior Presentation – in this case, the baby is head first, but is is facing up towards the mother’s abdomen. This can make the delivery more difficult
- Transverse lie Presentation – In this case, the baby is positioned horizontally across the birth canal. Babies in transverse presentation should always be delivered via c-section, unless there are multiple babies. In this case, if there is one baby positioned appropriately but the other baby is transverse, they may try to deliver the first baby in hopes that the second baby in the transverse position will flip into the appropriate position
How is an Abnormal Presentation Detected?
Abnormal birth presentation is detected with the following:
- Ultrasound
- Physical exam – the physician will feel the mother’s abdomen to determine the positioning of the baby in the weeks leading up to the birth
Injuries Due to Abnormal Birth Presentation
Birth injuries can occur as the result of abnormal presentation. Potential injuries include the following:
- Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy
- Cerebral palsy
- Brain damage
- Asphyxia
- Erb’s palsy
- Brachial plexus injury
- Developmental delays
- Seizures
- Motor issues
- Death
- Head trauma
- Brain bleeds
How Can Complications from an Abnormal Birth Presentation be Due to Medical Malpractice?
As described above, many complications can occur from an abnormal birth presentation at time of delivery. When a physician or other health care provider allows a vaginal delivery with the baby in a dangerous position, complications can occur. Medical malpractice related complications may be caused by the following:
- Failure to perform a c-section when indicated
- Choosing to perform a vaginal delivery, leading to complications such as umbilical cord prolapse or other serious complications
- Failing to identify fetal distress during delivery, which is likely in the case of a birth in which the baby is in an abnormal position
- Failing to identify that the baby is in an abnormal position prior to delivery
Overall, choosing to delivery a baby in a position that is known to be unsafe which then leads to complications is considered to be medical malpractice.
Ask Our Oregon Birth Injury Lawyer for Help
If you or a loved one have been seriously injured or killed as a result of medical malpractice contact the Oregon Medical Malpractice Lawyers at Kuhlman Law at our number below or fill out the intake form. We offer a free initial case evaluation and handle cases on a contingency fee which means that you pay no money unless we recover.
Our law firm handles cases throughout the state including Bend and Portland Oregon, Redmond, Central Oregon, Sisters, Madras, Multnomah County, Deschutes County, Salem, Eugene, Corvallis, Lane County, Medford, Gresham, La Grande, Albany, Medford, Beaverton, Umatilla, Pendleton, Cottage Grove, Florence, Oregon City, Springfield, Keizer, Grants Pass, McMinnville, Tualatin, West Linn, Forest Grove, Wilsonville, Newberg, Roseburg, Lake Oswego, Klamath Falls, Happy Valley, Tigard, Ashland, Milwakie, Coos Bay, The Dalles, St. Helens, Sherwood, Central Point, Canby, Troutdale, Hermiston, Silverton, Hood River, Newport, Prineville, Astoria, Tillamook, Lincoln City, Hillsboro, and Vancouver, Washington.
We also have an office in Minneapolis, Minnesota and take medical malpractice cases throughout the Twin Cities, including St. Paul, Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Dakota County, Washington County, Anoka County, Scott County, Blaine, Stillwater, and Saint Paul Minnesota.
