It’s only natural that pregnancy comes with a lot of concerns and anxieties about how your baby will develop and whether they (or you) might experience a birth injury. While you can’t always predict what will happen in the delivery room, there are a few major birth injury risk factors every expecting mom should discuss with their OBYGN.
Maternal Weight
Gaining weight during pregnancy is completely normal, as it should be. However, excessive weight gain during pregnancy could potentially endanger the baby. Excessive weight gain can put more pressure on the baby during vaginal birth, potentially increasing the risk of head and neck injuries or even broken bones. Additionally, forceps may be required to move the birth along, which further increases the risk of injury from improper use.
For these reasons, expecting mothers who are worried about their weight should consult with their OBYGN and either develop a plan to manage their pregnancy or potentially schedule a c-section so as to prevent an unplanned emergency.
Gestational Diabetes
Pregnancy can sometimes cause “gestational diabetes.” While this condition is usually temporary and resolves a few weeks after birth, it is essential to identify symptoms and develop a plan with your OBGYN as soon as possible.
Untreated, gestational diabetes can potentially endanger the mother and increase the risk of maternal mortality. It also presents complications that could endanger the baby both immediately after birth and in the years to come. Simply put, if you notice increased thirst and urination during pregnancy, you should talk to your doctor as soon as possible!
High Blood Pressure
Unmonitored and unregulated maternal blood pressure is one of the top causes of infant brain injuries and maternal injuries in the delivery room, especially for African American families. Expecting mothers who have any history of high blood pressure should consult with their OBGYN, develop a plan to manage their blood pressure, and ensure that their birthing staff are aware of their needs.
Sadly, unmonitored maternal blood pressure is a major contributing factor in nearly 1-in-6 maternal fatalities. Yet, these incidents are largely preventable when hospital staff are aware of the risk and closely monitor the mother before, during, and after birth.
If your family has been impacted by a birth injury, our team is here for you. At Simonson Goodman Platzer PC our attorneys have more than 40 years of experience and have a 98% success rate in getting compensation for our clients. Reach out today for a free consultation at