When most children or adult patients experiences pain or other issues, they can easily communicate their concerns. During the labor and delivery process, an expectant mother can notify medical professionals of issues, such as unusual pain or a feeling of dizziness.
Yet, an unborn child has no way of communicating distress or pain. Labor and delivery are among the most dangerous parts of pregnancy, as many things can go wrong. From placenta issues to umbilical cord compression, sudden issues can arise that put the unborn child at risk of permanent birth injuries. In some cases, fetal monitoring errors are the underlying cause of major, preventable birth injuries.
Monitoring is critical for fetal safety
Professional organizations that oversee obstetric physicians recommend consistent fetal monitoring throughout active labor. Heart rate monitoring is the only way to accurately and immediately recognize warning signs of fetal distress.
If doctors and nurses fail to apply a fetal heart rate monitor, if they do not check the readings from the monitor or if they do not take prompt action when they notice signs of distress, the unborn child could suffer a preventable birth injury. Protracted distress can lead to oxygen deprivation and brain injuries. Many of the worst birth injuries are preventable if doctors and support staff properly monitor both the woman in labor and her unborn child.
Discussing issues with fetal heart rate monitoring and a recent birth injury with a skilled legal team can help parents in their pursuit of justice. It may be possible to file a birth injury lawsuit in cases wherein doctors did not follow best practices, resulting in a preventable birth injury.