Bringing a child into the world should be one of the most memorable and amazing moments of your life. Sometimes, what’s supposed to be such a wonderful experience turns into tragedy during childbirth.
Unfortunately, childbirth is the sixth leading cause of death among women from the ages of 20 to 34, and one million children die the day they are born. Another million are stillborn.
According to Safe Birth Project:
“The leading causes of maternal mortality are severe bleeding, eclampsia (high blood pressure leading to kidney failure, seizures, or coma), and prolonged or difficult labor. Mothers with preexisting conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease are at a higher risk for complications that may affect them and the baby, as are mothers who are older than 35 or those having a multiple birth.”
Oftentimes, these birth injuries and deaths are unavoidable but there are many that could be avoided.
Advice to Pregnant Mothers
Below are some suggestions that pregnant women should adhere to in order to reduce their risk of this tragedy.
- Qualified obstetrician. Conduct in-depth research when looking for an obstetrician with an excellent reputation and who is qualified to handle delivery problems. Find one you can talk to and who is not intimidating.
- Be clear and vocal. You are the only one who truly knows how you are feeling and understands your body’s signals. Be clear on how you are feeling and express any concerns you may have. Do not be afraid to speak up.
- Prenatal care. Prenatal vitamins that provide at least 400 micrograms of folic acid are beneficial for the proper development and health of your little one. Be proactive in your prenatal care and take care of your body.
- Healthy diet. It’s important to eat a healthy diet when you there’s a baby growing inside of you. What you eat completely affects them. Avoid any alcohol and tobacco products while pregnant. Take no medications without first consulting your physician.
- Education. Educate yourself on terms during delivery. Make certain you understand what the doctors are saying and what the baby’s heart rate should be before you deliver. If you are not getting cooperation from your bedside nurse, remember there’s a chain of command and you can go up the ladder to make certain you are being taken care of properly.
- Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask important questions so that you understand what’s going on and what should be happening to ensure a safe delivery for you and the baby.
- Be honest. Don’t keep anything from your physician. Be completely honest about your health condition and do not hide something that could be an issue during childbirth.
Labor and delivery can create enough fears without having to worry about birth injuries that could be prevented. You’ll need to contact a personal injury attorney if you believe a doctor or healthcare worker was responsible for the injury or death of your baby.