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Difference Between Birth Defects and Birth Injuries

From carrying the child for nine months, to laboring for hours on end, the last thing any parent wants to hear is that their newborn child might be hurt. The unfortunate truth is that the birth process is complex and can create health issues for both mother and baby. By understanding some of the most common health risks associated with birth, specifically the difference between birth defects and birth injuries, parents can begin to prepare accordingly.

What Are Birth Defects?

The biggest distinction between birth defects and birth injuries is that birth defects typically arise in the womb and are linked to genetics and environmental factors. They can occur at any point during pregnancy, but typically start to develop within the first three months. While birth defects range in severity, and can impact many parts of the fetus’s body, they often lead to physical, intellectual, or developmental disabilities for the child. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that birth defects account for 21% of all infant deaths each year, with 3% of all babies born in the U.S. affected by a birth defect.

The five most common birth defects in the U.S. are: heart defects such as pulmonary atresia or hypoplastic left heart syndrome, clubfoot, cleft lip and cleft palate defects, Down syndrome, and abdominal defects like gastroschisis and omphalocele.

What Are Birth Injuries?

A birth injury is a result of a problem that occurs while the mother is actively giving birth to the baby. Birth injuries can occur either due to a doctor’s negligence or because of unavoidable complications that arose throughout the birthing process. A doctor acting negligently might involve using an incorrect delivery method or misusing an extraction tool like forceps.

While a doctor can be negligent while delivering a baby, it is important to also recognize that sometimes a doctor can do everything in their power to deliver a baby safely and an injury still occurs. Sometimes, birth injuries are not discovered until long after birth. Reports show that as many as five out of 1,000 infants in the United States experienced some sort of birth trauma, with the most common being hypoxia, fetal distress, Erb’s palsy, jaundice, and cerebral palsy.

What Do I Do If My Baby Was Injured During Birth?

It is heartbreaking to learn that your new child suffered harm due to the lack of improper care from medical professionals. At Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos, and Newlin, we understand how frustrating it is for you or someone you love to sustain serious bodily injury and experience financial consequences. By partnering with one of our knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyers, we can work together to get the justice you and your loved ones deserve. Call our office to get started today.

Reach out to a Terre Haute Personal Injury Attorney Today

The financial burden that often comes with a serious injury can be too much for many people to bear. Unexpected medical debt, damaged personal property, and the sudden loss of income can impact the budgets of most families. The good news is that a successful injury claim could help reduce that financial strain after a serious accident. Get in touch with a Terre Haute personal injury lawyer with Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin to learn more.

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