When is a Birth Considered “Delayed”?
The United States has a startling maternal mortality rate. In fact, the rate of life-threatening complications for new mothers has more than doubled in two decades due to several factors. In total, approximately 50,000 women endure dangerous complications during the birthing process every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
One such complication is a delayed birth. Learn what constitutes a delayed birth and how it can be prevented.
What is a Delayed Birth?
A delayed birth occurs when an infant is not delivered during the normal time frame. When healthcare professionals intervene in time, the mother and child may be left with only minor conditions. If healthcare professionals fail to respond to this situation properly, however, both the mother and the baby may suffer serious injuries.
During a delayed birth, the infant’s head is left in the mother’s birth canal for too long. This can exert more pressure on the child than they can withstand. The most common birth injuries that result from a delayed birth often involve brain damage that can lead to attention deficit disorders, Asperger’s syndrome, or autism.
Does My Child Have a Birth Injury?
If you had a traumatic birth and you suspect your child may have suffered because of it, keep an eye out for the following warning signs in your baby:
- Delay in sucking for 24-48 hours
- Arched back while crying
- Asymmetrical movement of the limbs
- Vomiting
Did Your Child Suffer a Birth Injury? We’re Here to Help
If your child suffered a birth injury due to a delayed birth or something else, our Philadelphia birth injury attorneys are here to help. At The Villari Firm, PLLC, we have the experience and resources necessary to protect your family’s rights against large hospitals and insurance companies.
Contact us today at 267-388-9429 to schedule a free consultation.
