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Mothers can suffer birth-related injuries through malpractice

On Behalf of | Nov 20, 2022 | Birth Injury |

Pregnancy is usually a time of happiness for women and their families. The period following birth is also joyful, but an unexpected injury can delay your “new baby bliss.”

When you hear the term “childbirth injury,” you may imagine a newborn as the victim. Infants are vulnerable, but negligence in the labor and delivery room can also harm new mothers.

What injuries are common in childbirth?

Most new moms emerge from childbirth exhausted but still healthy and fit. Since most of the medical staff focuses on ensuring the baby is okay, injuries to the mother can go overlooked. Below are some common injuries that arise during or after giving birth.

  • Broken pelvic bones
  • Tailbone (coccyx) fractures
  • Severe vaginal and rectal tears

Unfortunately, other birth injuries moms may suffer are more dangerous than those above. Those affecting the uterus, for example, can be severe enough to jeopardize the patient’s life. Prolapsed uterus, uterine inversion and uterine rupture are three birth-related injuries that require immediate medical treatment.

Sometimes, malpractice occurs not because of an injury but rather a failure on the part of care providers to find and address a dangerous situation. For example, if an injury to the uterus goes undetected and untreated, the patient or their family likely has grounds for a medical malpractice claim.

Better postpartum attention and care may prevent many childbirth-related issues that harm mothers, even those that don’t manifest symptoms right away. Medical malpractice may be a factor if you continue having problems like excessive bleeding or unbearable pain after delivering a baby.

It’s wise to learn more about New Mexico’s medical malpractice laws and seek a legal opinion to see if you have a valid claim and how to get it started.