Abnormal Birth

An abnormal birth is called an abnormal position and presentation of the fetus. Essentially, it means that something went wrong with the fetus position or presentation. The position describes whether the fetus is facing toward the mother’s back, or rearward, or forward/face up. The presentation is the part of the baby’s body that leads the way when they’re going down the birth canal. Typically, the head will go first, but the shoulder or buttocks could also lead the way.

Usually, the safest and most common positions and presentation are head first, chin tucked in, facing rearward, face and body angled toward the left or right, arms folded across the chest, or neck bent forward.

The most common types of abnormal birth positions and presentations are occiput posterior presentation, which is colloquially called “sunny-side up,” where the baby is head first but they’re facing up. The second most common is breech presentation, where the feet or the buttocks are going to come out first. Another common position or presentation is transverse lie, where the baby is lying horizontally across the mother’s birth canal.

If the baby is in an abnormal position or presentation, then the mother may not be able to deliver them naturally and the labor could be much tougher. A doctor might end up having to perform a C-section or take other emergency measures in order to reduce the risk of the baby being born with birth defects and injuries.

Symptoms of Abnormal Birth

If a baby is in an abnormal position or presentation, then a mother or doctor may see the following signs:

• The baby is in an abnormal position or presentation on the ultrasound
• The doctor feels that the baby is in an abnormal position or presentation by touching on the mother’s abdomen
• The woman will feel kicks in certain places

When a baby goes through an abnormal birth and does not receive the proper treatment, then injuries could occur. They include learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, motor disorders, asphyxia, brain damage, brachial plexus injury, and Erb’s palsy. Some symptoms and signs of these conditions include:

• Seizures
• Limpness
• Difficulty rotating the arm away from the shoulder
• Difficulty feeding
• Partial or complete paralysis of the arm
• Trouble bending the wrist
• Loss of sensation or numbness in the arm
• Droopy eyelid
• Difficulty learning new skills
• Not having normal motor skills for the age range

A doctor will be able to diagnose a child with any of these conditions and create a treatment plan for them.

Treatment for Abnormal Birth

If a baby is in an abnormal presentation or position, then the doctor may be able to press on the mother’s abdomen prior to labor to ensure the baby is facing head first. A doctor might also give the mother a drug to stop labor from starting too soon or let the mother know some natural ways she can try to get the baby to change positions at home. For example, perhaps she could get acupuncture or chiropractor work done or rest in a child’s pose to encouragement movement. If the baby has still not changed positions by a certain point, then a doctor could have to perform an emergency C-section.

If a baby is born with birth injuries, then they may need lifelong treatment including prescription medicine, medical equipment, surgeries, recreational, occupational, and physical therapy, and much more. It all depends on what injuries they now have.

How Do I Know if Medical Malpractice Caused Abnormal Birth?

Sometimes, things happen during pregnancy or labor and the doctor can’t do anything about them. However, other times, doctors make mistakes that could amount to negligence. If they breached their duty of care to you and their negligence caused your child to become injured, then they might be guilty of medical malpractice.

You can find out if medical malpractice occurred by getting in touch with a birth injury lawyer. They are well versed in the law, which makes it very difficult to prove malpractice. This is because if it was easy and people could sue their doctors all the time, nobody would want to go into the medical field. Your lawyer will let you know if you have a case based on the evidence and information you provide to them.

How Much Will I Receive From an Abnormal Birth Settlement?

When it comes to your settlement, you could receive compensation for both economic and non-economic damages such as:

• Medical bills
• Loss of companionship and enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering
• Future medical care
• Loss of earning capacity

Your lawyer will calculate your damages for you and go after the highest settlement possible to cover your medical bills and other losses.

Settlement Offers in an Abnormal Birth Case

The way the legal process works is once you get in touch with your birth injury lawyer, they will ask you what evidence you have to prove your case. For instance, you may have medical records and bills, witness statements, and photographs of your baby’s injury to support your medical malpractice claim. Your lawyer will review the proof and let you know if you have a strong enough case.

If they decide that medical malpractice was at play, then they will reach out to the defendant, your doctor, and try to reach a fair settlement. The doctor could negotiate for a lower settlement or reject a settlement altogether. If the settlement is too low for you, your lawyer will be happy to renegotiate. They will also help you go to court so you can hopefully retrieve the compensation you deserve.

Why Reach Out to a Birth Injury Lawyer?

You think that your doctor was negligent, and it’s not right that they’re just going to get away with it. You shouldn’t have to cover your expenses and suffer in silence. Instead, they should pay you for your damages. Your birth injury lawyer will be your advocate so that you can focus on what matters most, which is caring for your baby. You won’t have to worry because you know everything is being taken care of on the legal side of things.

Abnormal Birth Birth Injury Attorneys

If your baby was born in an abnormal position or presentation and now is facing injuries, then medical malpractice could be to blame. Get in touch with Gilman & Bedigian to find out if you have a valid claim. We can help you get the compensation you deserve so you can move forward with your life.

Contact Gilman & Bedigian 24/7 for a free consultation at (800) 529-6162.