Incidence of Spinal Injury in Childbirth

Washington DC Birth Injury LAW FIRM

Childbirth is a miraculous, joyful and essential part of human existence. But Washington D.C. birth injury attorneys are often contacted about instances of birth injury, particularly those involving spinal injury. Approximately six out of every 1000 live births involve some form of spinal injury during delivery.

These injuries can happen to a newborn in almost any healthcare setting. But national statistics show that larger hospitals (those with more than 300 beds) and facilities that are run as non-profits tend to have a higher rate of birth injuries overall.

Spinal cord injuries are just one of many types of medical mistakes that can happen during the childbirth process—others being related to lack of oxygen, damage to the cranial areas from forceps or vacuum extraction, or Erb's palsy, caused when nerves in the shoulders, arms and hands are poorly manipulated while emerging from the womb.

Each of these results occur when the maternal pelvis size and shape poorly accommodate the size and positioning of the baby. When the baby is in the breech position (feet first) and proper steps are not taken, congential hip dislocation, club foot, scoliosis (also a spinal condition) and cervicothoracic spinal trauma can also occur.

Prevention and treatment of WASHINGTON, D.C BIRTH INJURIES

The spinal cord can suffer damage when the baby is subjected to excessive traction or rotation during birth. Often, prenatal care can go a long way toward preventing the need for traction and rotation, consequently preventing spinal cord injuries during childbirth.

This happens in several respects:

• Examination of fetus: When a doctor can examine the size of the fetus relative to the size of the mother, the need for alternative delivery through a cesarean section can be considered and, if necessary, planned.
• Preparation of the mother: With time to think about options in advance, the expectant mother can consider different methods for delivery and make decisions before the stress, physical and mental trauma of actual birth are present.
• Preparation of the doctor: When a physician and hospital are prepared to take alternative courses—for example, choose a c-section over vaginal birth in the middle of labor—the need for a traumatic delivery that could injury the child is less likely.

spinal BIRTH INJURY ATTORNEYS ARE Prepared to help

The attorneys at Nash & Associates, LLC understand the emotional toll a birth injury can take on your family. Strength in experience, legal ability, and attention to detail are the hallmarks of Nash & Associates. Call the firm at 202-327-5498 or toll-free at 800-690-7895, or contact us online to schedule your initial consultation.