Doctors should inform their patients as to when and why they would choose to use vacuum extraction or forceps during delivery. When choosing a method of assistive delivery, it is essential that the physician is careful in choosing the correct method for each situation. Families can pursue legal action for a medical malpractice claim if a birth injury occurred as a direct result of negligence on the part of the physician.
High Risk Birth Complications
A pregnancy that is classified as high risk can pose a serious threat to the health of both mother and child. Since there are certain factors which can predispose women to a high risk birth, physicians should take a complete medical history of the expectant mother. Current health conditions, weight, previous pregnancies and the age of the mother are all factors that should be taken into consideration.
Risk Factors for the Mother
The age and weight of the mother are two of the most important factors to consider when classifying a pregnancy as high risk. When a woman becomes pregnant while they are very young or when they are close to menopause increases the risk of complications and problems over the course of the pregnancy and during delivery. Mothers who are either overweight or underweight are also susceptible to having a high risk pregnancy.
In addition to age and weight, the medical history of the mother is also important to consider. A previous high risk pregnancy, having diabetes, high blood pressure or HIV also significantly increases the chances of a high risk pregnancy.
There are also certain conditions which commonly develop during pregnancy which will classify a pregnancy as high risk. These conditions include gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, which results in high blood pressure and excess protein in the urine and eclampsia, which can cause seizures and coma in expectant mothers.