Cerebral palsy (CP) is a complex brain disorder that can involve both physical and cognitive disabilities. It most often develops at or near birth. It is often preventable if a physician recognizes the obvious risks that can lead to brain injuries at birth and takes the appropriate precautions. What puts a child at risk of CP? It is generally caused…

Normally, the placenta that protects and nurtures an unborn child forms at the top of the uterus, well away from the cervix. In about one out of every 200 pregnancies, however, something goes wrong and the placenta attaches itself partially or completely over the cervix — putting both the baby and the mother at risk. A C-section is the only…

When you picture a place where women commonly end up dying in childbirth, do you think of some distant country where they give birth in their homes, far away from adequate medical care, or do you picture a modern hospital somewhere in the United States? The sad reality is that new mothers are dying at an alarming rate in the…

When you hear of women dying in childbirth due to inadequate medical care, are your first thoughts of the distant past or an undeveloped nation? If so, you aren’t alone. Most people don’t associate “death in childbirth” as a common problem for women in the United States — but maternal death rates in this country are on the rise —…

Why are so many women in the United States facing death or permanent injury in childbirth? As one of the nations with the most advanced medical care in the world, the rate of maternal injury in childbirth should be falling — not rising. Yet, American women are finding it increasingly risky to be pregnant and give birth. Not only are…

A normal pregnancy lasts about 38 to 40 weeks — when it’s full term. In some cases, however, a baby may be born too soon — and that may result in physical and cognitive challenges that last well into adulthood. A premature delivery is any birth that occurs prior to 37 weeks of gestation. The earlier the birth, the more…

Pregnancy is a particularly vulnerable period in a woman’s life — and in the life of her unborn child. The medical care that a mother receives during her pregnancy can have consequences that affect that child’s entire future. Unfortunately, doctors sometimes make serious mistakes with prenatal care. They may overlook certain common complications of pregnancy and that can lead to…

Shoulder dystocia occurs during vaginal births when the baby’s shoulders get stuck during a vaginal birth even though the baby is in the normal birthing position (with his or her head facing downward). It’s incredibly dangerous. Both the baby and the mother can die if the baby can’t be freed. It was one of the most common causes of death…

Childbirth is an admittedly difficult process for most women — and it’s easy for a tiny baby to end up injured. How do you tell the difference between simple bruises from the birth and a serious injury? Here are some of the most common symptoms an infant with birth injuries can have: Weakness in one or more limbs or facial…

It’s estimated that birth injuries are fairly common — but not every birth injury is noticed right away. If you’ve recently given birth and you’re worried that your child may be injured because of the difficulties surrounding his or her delivery, there are a few things you need to keep in mind: 1. There are usually early signs that point…