Every mother hopes for a quick, problem-free birth. Unfortunately, sometimes the labor process can be wrought with complications and difficulties. Prolonged labor or "failure to progress" is any labor that lasts more than 20 hours for a first-time mother or 14 hours in subsequent births. Without medical intervention, prolonged labor puts both mother and baby at risk of birth injuries.

Why is Prolonged Labor So Dangerous?

Many different problems can cause prolonged labor. The baby may be too large to fit through the mother's birth canal or in the wrong position. Weak contractions and other issues can also lead to prolonged labor. Whatever the reason, prolonged labor can be very dangerous. Oxygen deprivation to the fetus is one of the biggest risks associated with prolonged labor. If the baby is stuck in the birth canal for too long, his or her oxygen levels will drop. If the oxygen is cut off long enough, the baby may suffer brain damage and permanent disability.

How Is Prolonged Labor Treated?

The best way to treat prolonged labor is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Regular prenatal care can help ensure that a mother-to-be is healthy and may even pick up on any potential issues that could lead to difficulties during delivery. If labor does last too long, the doctor will typically order tests to evaluate the baby's wellbeing. To ensure the baby continues to get enough oxygen, doctors may use a vacuum extractor or forceps to help deliver the baby quickly. In some cases, a C-section may even be necessary to minimize the risk of birth injury. About one-third of all Cesarean sections are conducted because labor is not progressing normally. C-sections, vacuum extraction, and other methods carry risks, so doctors must weigh the risks and choose the course of action that has the lowest potential for injury.

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Expectant mothers usually prioritize their health and safety as much as possible. They recognize that any illness or injury can hurt their growing baby. Unfortunately, even the most prudent mother may contract an infection during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. Because infections can be so dangerous for pregnant women and newborns, doctors must be vigilant for signs of infection. Failure to promptly diagnose and treat infections can severely harm the baby or the mother.

Undiagnosed Infections in Pregnant Women

Infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in pregnant women. According to the CDC, infections are responsible for 12.5 percent of maternal deaths in the United States. The most common types of infection during pregnancy are urinary tract infections, followed by respiratory infections like pneumonia. Other common infections include sexually transmitted infections such as herpes and gastrointestinal infections.

Doctors must be careful to reduce the chances of a pregnant woman contracting an infection. Exam rooms should be clean and sterile, and all medical personnel should wash their hands before coming into contact with the expectant mother. In some cases, a woman may be placed on antibiotics as a preventative measure if she is at risk of developing an infection.

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Skull fractures during birth are more common than many people realize. While many skull fractures sustained at birth are minor and will heal on their own without any long-term effects, some can be much more serious. In some cases, a baby can sustain a skull fracture that leads to serious health complications, including brain damage. If your baby sustained a skull fracture during birth and suffered health complications as a result, you may be wondering if you can sue the doctor for medical malpractice.

When Is an Infant Skull Fracture Considered Medical Malpractice?

As with any potential medical malpractice case, there are a few key elements that must be present in order for you to have a valid claim. First, it must be proven that the doctor breached the standard of care that is expected of medical professionals. Second, it must be shown that this breach of care directly led to your baby’s skull fracture. Finally, you must be able to prove that your baby suffered health complications as a result of the skull fracture.

If all of these elements are present in your case, you may have grounds to file a medical malpractice lawsuit against the doctor who delivered your baby. However, it is important to note that these cases can be complex and difficult to win. If you are considering taking legal action, it is important to consult with an experienced medical malpractice attorney who can help you understand your legal options and build a strong case.

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Before an infant is born, his bodily waste is sent through the umbilical cord and placenta to be processed and eliminated by the mother’s body. Once a child is born, however, his digestive tract begins functioning and the first poop a child produces is a thick tar-like substance called meconium. For first-time parents who are not expecting meconium, this can be alarming, but it is perfectly normal. 

Rarely, an infant will begin pooping during labor. Meconium can be passed while a baby is still in the uterus, causing it to move around in the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby. Most of the time when this happens, the baby does not breathe in any meconium or amniotic fluid. But when meconium is inhaled, it can cause serious problems and requires urgent treatment from trained Illinois medical healthcare professionals. 

Symptoms of Meconium Aspiration

Babies are at risk of many birth-related injuries. Symptoms of meconium aspiration can be difficult to separate from other, unrelated causes. Doctors must be alert and prepared to diagnose and respond to meconium aspiration quickly and effectively. Symptoms of meconium aspiration include a baby who: 

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The process of pregnancy and birth ends well for most children, but it also presents a long period of complicated genetic development during which a child’s body and brain are fragile and susceptible to injuries. Many of these injuries can happen because of recklessness or carelessness on the part of childbirth healthcare providers, and a surprising number of injuries appear to be linked to a higher risk of developing autism. 

While there are many treatments and therapies for autism, a child with autism may need medical, social, and educational support for the rest of their life. If your child suffered from a birth injury and now has autism, you may want to see whether you can take action against the person or organization responsible. 

Which Birth Injuries May Cause or Contribute to Autism? 

Several birth injuries are correlated with much higher rates of autism in young children, although it is difficult to establish a direct link between one particular occurrence and the later manifestation of autism. However, birth injuries that are frequently associated with autism later on include: 

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