You are worried about your new baby. As beautiful as he is, something does not seem right. He seems slower to respond to things than your daughter was. The terrible thought crosses your mind that he may have suffered a birth injury, which damaged his brain.
A constant supply of oxygen is vital to anyone. Disruption to the oxygen supply could quickly result in brain damage. When the baby is inside the womb, they receive oxygen through the umbilical cord. If this twists or collapses during birth, the supply can be cut off. Cords can occasionally tangle around a baby’s neck, starving them of oxygen. A baby’s airways can become blocked by mucous, restricting the ability to breathe. If the placenta separates prematurely from the uterus, this may also affect oxygen supply.
These are some other reasons a newborn baby could suffer brain damage:
- Jaundice: This can cause a type of brain damage known as kernicterus if it is not quickly spotted and treated.
- Preeclampsia: This infection to the mother can damage the baby if the medical staff does not diagnose it and take adequate measures to manage it.
- Trauma: Surgical implements used in delivery can damage a baby’s head and brain. So can the use of too much force by the medical professional delivering the baby.
- Low glucose levels: If inadequately monitored, these can drop to levels that can cause brain damage to the baby.
The medical professionals you contract when giving birth to a baby are privileged to bring new life into the world. If they fail to live up to the professional standards expected of them and cause your baby brain damage, you may be able to claim medical malpractice.
