Even with today’s medical advancements still births remain fairly common. Some estimates state that there are approximately 68 stillbirths in the United States every day. There are a number of causes that can lead to a still birth, of which medical malpractice is one. Giving birth may seem like a natural process, but it can be quite dangerous if a woman does not receive the proper medical care.
What Is a Stillbirth?
Stillbirths are a complex medical issue and health care professionals cannot always determine the exact cause of one. Stillbirth can be due to negligence, but there are other possible reasons. However, it is important to note that common conditions can increase the chance of a woman giving birth to a stillborn baby. Both physicians and the expecting parents should make sure that they are monitoring high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, rh incompatibility, infections, decreased fetal movement and birth defects detected in the infant. Smoking or using drugs during pregnancy also increases the chance of giving birth to a stillborn baby.
The good news is that complications during pregnancy or birth can be diagnosed and treated with proper monitoring. If a physician fails to diagnose and treat a disease, it may result in the death of the mother or the child. Parents who have been a victim of medical negligence may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit.
What can Doctors do to Prevent Stillbirth?
There are several things that health care professionals can do to reduce a woman’s chances of having a stillborn baby.
- The baby’s heartbeat should be monitored with a stethoscope
throughout the entire pregnancy. - The physician should also make sure to check the mother’s urine
routinely for any abnormalities. If the physician detects an abnormality a
Doppler ultrasound can then be used to monitor the condition of the baby. - Additionally, an electronic fetal non-stress test should be used during the
birthing process; this type of test records the baby’s movement and heartbeat
as well as the contractions in the uterus.
The baby’s heartbeat should be monitored with a stethoscope throughout the entire pregnancy. The physician should also make sure to check the mother’s urine routinely for any abnormalities. If the physician detects an abnormality a Doppler ultrasound can then be used to monitor the condition of the baby. Additionally, an electronic fetal non- stress test should be used during the birthing process; this type of test records the baby’s movement and heartbeat as well as the contractions in the uterus.
Determining Malpractice
Parents should be cognizant of the fact that complications can occur during pregnancy and the birth. This is why it is imperative that the entire medical staff properly monitors the mother and child during the course of pregnancy and delivery. If medical negligence leads to a stillborn child, the parents have the right to contact a lawyer to discuss possible malpractice.