Induced Labor

My Labor Was Induced And My Baby Was Injured?

Induction of labor is a medical procedure performed to initiate or augment the natural process of childbirth before it begins spontaneously. It is typically recommended when there are concerns about the health of the mother or the baby, or when it's deemed safer for the baby to be delivered than to remain in the womb. I get many calls from Maryland mothers who have had complications after an induction of labor. The CDC states that 23-25% of births are from labor induction.

Reasons for Induction:

• Post-Term Pregnancy: If a pregnancy goes beyond 42 weeks, induction may be considered due to the increased risks associated with post-term pregnancies.
• Medical Conditions: Certain maternal health conditions, such as hypertension or diabetes, may necessitate induction to prevent complications.
• Fetal Distress: If there are signs that the baby is not thriving in the womb, induction may be recommended to ensure a timely delivery.
• Premature Rupture of Membranes: If the amniotic sac ruptures before the onset of labor, inducing labor may be necessary to reduce the risk of infection.
• Chorioamnionitis: Infections in the amniotic fluid may require prompt delivery to protect the health of both the mother and the baby.
• Placental Issues: Problems with the placenta, such as placental abruption or insufficient blood flow, might necessitate induction.
• Maternal Health Concerns: If the mother has certain health conditions, inducing labor may be recommended to avoid complications for both mother and baby.

Methods of Induction:

• Medications: Synthetic hormones, such as oxytocin, may be administered to stimulate uterine contractions and initiate labor.
• Membrane Stripping or Sweeping: A healthcare provider may use their finger to gently separate the amniotic sac from the uterine wall, releasing hormones that may trigger labor.
• Artificial Rupture of Membranes (AROM): The amniotic sac may be manually ruptured to induce contractions.
• Cervical Ripening: Medications or mechanical devices may be used to soften and dilate the cervix, preparing it for labor.

While inductions are common and generally safe, complications can occur, potentially leading to birth injuries in Baltimore, Maryland. Here, I'll explore some aspects of birth injuries following induced labor.

          Causes of Birth Injuries After Induction:

• Failed Induction: If the induction process is not successful, it might result in prolonged labor, increasing the risk of complications.
• Uterine Hyperstimulation: Induction drugs can sometimes cause excessive contractions, leading to reduced oxygen supply to the baby.
• Fetal Distress: Prolonged labor or other complications during induction can put the baby at risk of distress.

Common Birth Injuries:

• Brachial Plexus Injuries: Excessive force during delivery, often associated with difficult inductions, can lead to nerve damage, affecting the baby's arm and hand.
• Cerebral Palsy: Lack of oxygen during labor, especially if induced labor leads to complications, can result in cerebral palsy.
• Shoulder Dystocia: Difficulties in delivering the baby's shoulders after the head is delivered can lead to injury, particularly if excessive force is used.

Medical Malpractice and Negligence:

• • • • If a birth injury occurs following induced labor, it may be essential to determine if medical malpractice or negligence played a role.
      • Negligence may include improper administration of induction drugs, failure to monitor the mother and baby adequately, or using excessive force during delivery
      • Malpractice and negligence mean the same thing.

Consult A Maryland Birth Injury Lawyer?

If your labor was induced and your baby was injured, consulting with Frank Spector Law will help you to determine if a lawsuit can be brought. Inductions of labor are done frequently, sometimes for good reasons and sometimes not. Births occur naturally and babies have been born for thousands of years without induction or medicine to make labor go faster. While advancements in medicine are good for all of us, when the doctors and hospitals make medical mistakes, they ought to be held accountable.

For over 30 years, Frank Spector has helped many families recover millions of dollars for injured babies.