Posted: March 1, 2014

Even though birth is a natural process, unexpected complications, such as a prolapsed umbilical cord, shoulder dystocia, the baby getting wedged in the birth canal, cord around the neck, placental abruption, meconium aspiration or preeclampsia can arise during labor or shortly after delivery. A nurse midwife, just like an obstetrician, needs to be aware of the potential problems that could arise during labor, and know how to properly recognize and treat them as soon as possible.  If a problem during labor is not diagnosed or promptly addressed, it could lead to a lack of blood and oxygen to a baby and cause permanent brain damage, HIE, cerebral palsy, or fetal death. Another significant problem that can occur during delivery is a brachial plexus injury.

Many women today are choosing to have a home birth with a midwife rather than deliver in a hospital.  If you plan on having a home birth, you would want to make sure your nurse midwife is experienced in handling problems that could arise during labor and that there is a plan of action in place in case of an emergency.

If you experienced problems during a nurse midwife assisted delivery and your baby now has a permanent injury, brain damage or cerebral palsy, you may want to contact a law firm experienced in birth injury lawsuits or attorney physicians with labor and delivery experience for a free consultation and more information.