How to Decrease the Chances of Birth-Related Injuries
By Space Coast Daily // December 30, 2018
Soon-to-be parents don’t want additional stress. However, one crucial thing parents should be aware of is birth-related injuries.
It’s not uncommon for people living in developed countries to have misconceptions about the safety, cleanliness, and competence of Western hospitals; they have complete trust in the medical staff charged with caring for the mother and her newborn.
But statistics show that US hospitals are among the worst compared to other Western countries. And things aren’t getting better.
Why are Birth-Related Injuries on the Rise?
Injuries to the mother and/or child are increasing for a few reasons. And though no parent wants to hear this reality, it can’t be overlooked. For example, maternal mortality rates have risen to record highs in the United States.
One reason this may be happening is negligence. Some hospitals in the States are either overlooking or merely skipping vital steps to protect both children and mothers.
Why such shortcuts are taken is debatable.
Some say it’s linked to the lack of regulations, while others point at poor training, understaffed facilities, and below-average pay.
According to Steinberg Goodman & Kalish some birth injuries occur when the treating physician fails to adequately assess or respond to conditions or complications during a woman’s pregnancy or delivery.
California has implemented more regulations in the hopes of cutting these sorts of mistakes in half. Sadly, it’s the only state in the entire country to have improved regulatory oversight of its medical industry.
Others believe that the medical personnel within the hospitals are behind these issues because they are forced to cut spending. Countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia offer government-sponsored health care.
Therefore, hospitals don’t have to fend for themselves or worry about costs. Hospitals in the United States have to worry about costs and maybe cutting corners thinking they can save a little cash here and there.
No matter the reason, the rise of birth-related injuries should concern every citizen. Soon-to-be parents should lift the veil from their eyes concerning US health care.
Taking steps to prevent such risks by educating yourselves or by seeking legal assistance from lawyers who specialize in such cases. Doctor and the hospitals that employ them have their own ruthless legal teams at the ready, so it’s crucial that you hire your own team of highly trained attorneys to fight on your behalf.
There are many dangers linked to giving birth; some of which include brain damage, bone fractures, bruising, and even cerebral palsy. So, as a parent, it’s your responsibility to do everything in your power to prevent injuries or worse.
What can Soon-to-Be Parents do to be Safer?
One thing that parents can do is take control of their prenatal care, just in case physicians don’t fail to provide sufficient information.
For one, taking prenatal vitamins as soon as pregnancy is discovered is an important first step in the long journey towards giving birth. It’s also wise to follow recommendations regarding diet and exercise, paying close attention to the types of food that should be avoided during pregnancy.
It is vital that parents are vigilant regarding all changes that occur during pregnancy.
Abnormalities, sicknesses, even the baby’s movements can help a doctor prepare for birth. Perhaps expecting parents can keep a journal during the pregnancy just to be on the safe side. Taking these sort of steps helps reduce the risk of complications during delivery, and that is the point.
It might also be a good idea to do some research and find out which hospitals are better at creating the kind of environment that can deliver a child safely.
Expecting parents should look for third-party reviews, and dig up information about delivery complications that took place in the hospital that is being considered.
Expecting parents should also familiarize themselves with the electronic fetal monitoring system. This piece of equipment helps monitor the baby, and changes could signal a problem.
Sometimes, these changes are overlooked, but a parent who knows what to look for can point them out, making sure the medical personnel addresses the problem if there is one.
Communication is vital during delivery. It is the expecting parent’s job to report any abnormal feelings during delivery.
The nurse or doctor will be able to tell the parent if what she is feeling is normal or not. Hopefully, some of this information helps expecting parents in the United States be safer during delivery.
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