Philadelphia is one of the highly populated cities in the United States. Spanning over 143 miles, Philadelphia has a population density of 11,807 people per square mile. It shows that the birth rate is pretty high in the city.
Giving birth is a miraculous event, but it can also be quite dangerous. If you are expecting, it is crucial to be aware of the most common birth injuries, and take steps to protect yourself and your baby. If you or your baby still experience an injury during birth, you must consider speaking to a birth injury lawyer because you may be entitled to compensation.
A Philadelphia birth injury lawyer can help you if you experience any problems during birth.
This article will explore five of the most common birth injuries and explain how to handle them.
1) Caput Succedaneum
Caput succedaneum is the most common birth injury and occurs in about 20 percent of all births, especially if the baby is large or the labor is prolonged. It is a scalp swelling caused when the baby’s head comes out of the vagina. It typically subsides in a few days.
If your baby has caput succedaneum, you can apply ice to the swelling to reduce the inflammation. If the swelling is severe, your baby may need to be monitored for signs of jaundice. A Philadelphia birth injury lawyer can help you receive due compensation if the caput succedaneum was caused due to medical negligence.
2) Perinatal Asphyxia
It is a condition in which the baby does not receive enough oxygen before or during birth. This may even cause brain damage, cerebral palsy, and other serious health problems.
Medical negligence can cause perinatal asphyxia. If a baby suffers from this condition, they may need to be hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit and treated with medication to increase their oxygen levels.
3) Cerebral Palsy
Reports state that the birth rate between 15 to 19 is higher in Philadelphia. The young age of these mothers can increase the risk of cerebral palsy.
Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that causes muscle weakness, coordination problems, and difficulty speaking. It can be caused due to an injury to the brain, especially if there are complications such as placental abruption and umbilical cord prolapse during birth.
If a child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, they will likely need physical therapy and other treatments throughout their lifetime. If it was caused due to negligence, you must file a lawsuit against the hospital and doctor.
A birth injury lawyer can help you do so and ensure that you receive a fair compensation amount, either in a lump sum or as a guarantee of free medical attention and care for your child.
4)Shoulder Dystocia
Shoulder dystocia is a birth injury where the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone. It can cause bruising, nerve damage, and even paralysis.
Shoulder dystocia is a rare injury, but it can be severe. If your baby experiences shoulder dystocia, the doctor may need to use forceps or a vacuum extractor to remove the baby from the birth canal.
Final Thoughts
It is essential to be aware of the most common birth injuries expecting them. If you experience any problems during birth, make sure to seek medical attention right away. Then, remember to get in touch with an attorney to ensure you get due compensation for your troubles.
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