The birth of a child is a momentous occasion, but it can also come with challenges, especially if a child is born with a birth defect. While genetic factors cause some birth defects, medical errors during pregnancy or childbirth may lead to others. Understanding the potential causes of these defects can help you recognize if your child’s condition might result from mistakes made by your healthcare provider.
Cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy affects a child’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. Brain damage that occurs before, during, or shortly after birth often leads to this condition. Medical errors during labor and delivery, such as failing to monitor fetal distress or improperly using delivery tools like forceps or vacuum extractors, can cause oxygen deprivation or head trauma, which increases the risk of cerebral palsy.
Brachial plexus injuries
Brachial plexus injuries happen when the nerves controlling the arm and hand suffer damage during birth. This type of injury often results from difficulty delivering the baby’s shoulder, a condition known as shoulder dystocia. When a doctor applies too much force or uses incorrect techniques during delivery, nerve damage can occur, leading to weakness, loss of movement, or even permanent disability in the affected arm.
Spina bifida
Spina bifida, a birth defect where the spinal cord does not develop properly, leaves part of the spinal column exposed. Although the exact cause of spina bifida remains unclear, improper management of a mother’s health during pregnancy can contribute to the risk. For example, inadequate monitoring or failure to recommend necessary supplements like folic acid can increase the likelihood of this defect.
Heart defects
Congenital heart defects involve structural problems with the heart that develop before birth. Certain medications or maternal conditions during pregnancy can increase the risk of heart defects in the baby. If a doctor neglects to properly monitor and manage these risks or prescribes medication known to cause heart defects, these conditions can develop.
While many birth defects occur naturally, some may result from errors made by healthcare providers during pregnancy or childbirth. By staying aware of these risks, you can better understand the potential causes of your child’s condition and take steps to address them.