Are Some Women Prone to Birth Trauma?
For many, birth is a positive experience, but for some women it can also involve physical, emotional or psychological distress, according to an article in Babygaga. The report suggested several factors that can cause or aggravate motherly birth trauma:
- When a baby is born premature or with birth defects or disabilities and medical interventions are required immediately after birth. This can be stressful for both the mother and baby, since they may be separated if the infant must spend time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
- When labor does not progress smoothly and there are complications, such as postpartum hemorrhaging or a retained placenta. Also, if a baby is breech and it is necessary to use forceps and other tools, this can result in injury to both the child and the mother.
- If a baby suffers a significant injury during birth - clavicle fractures, oxygen deprivation, infections, facial paralysis, and even cerebral palsy - such injuries can be devastating and have a lifelong impact on the mother and child.
- Women can experience trauma if there was neglect on the part of the medical staff: if providers refuse to give her pain medication, leave her unattended during labor, or are otherwise neglectful, this can result in psychological, emotional and even physical harm.
- When a woman experiences a miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death, the trauma can be severe and lasting.
- A previous traumatic experience, such as sexual abuse, can trigger birth trauma.
The article also noted that mothers who experienced previous birth injuries may be more susceptible to future birth trauma.
While some level of trauma is natural for labor and childbirth, if an injury has occurred and you suspect negligence was involved, you may want to contact an experienced birth injury attorney in Philadelphia to discuss your legal options.