HomeNews Birth Injury 13 Signs You or Your Baby Have Suffered a Birth Injury Because of a Labour Inducer

Jan 12, 2023 in News --> Birth Injury

13 Signs You or Your Baby Have Suffered a Birth Injury Because of a Labour Inducer

Find Out if You or Your Baby Have Suffered a Labour Inducer Birth Injury

Though the use of labour inducers such as oxytocin, or Pitocin, is on the rise (over 1 in 5 expectant mothers in Canada opt to induce labour), it doesn't mean using these inducing labour is risk-free. Quite the contrary, studies show over 40% of emergency caesareans (C-sections) are due to unsuccessful induction. There also exists the risk of a labour inducer birth injury to either you or your baby.

The Potential for an Induced Labour and/or Pitocin Birth Injury

Like any medical procedure, induction carries with it risks. So much so, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration places a "black box warning" on Pitocin for the life-threatening impacts it can have.

Pitocin Birth Injury Risk - Know the Facts

Learn how Pitocin is used to induce labour and the risks it poses   [Read More]

Pitocin can cause allergic reactions in the birthing mother, increase the risks of haemorrhaging postpartum, and even lead to an irregular heartbeat. It can cause brain damage in babies and, in worst-case scenarios, death. But how do you know if you or your baby have suffered injuries due to a labour inducer?

13 Signs the Mother and Baby Have Suffered a Birth Injury Due to a Labour Inducer

Here are some signs the mother and the baby may have suffered a birth injury due to a labour inducer. This is not an exhaustive list, which is why it is imperative you consult with your doctor if you notice any other signs.

Signs the Mother May Have Suffered a Birth Injury Due to a Labour Inducer

  1. Nausea and vomiting
  2. Long, frequent, and severe contractions
  3. Vaginal tearing
  4. Uterine rupture (signalled by excessive bleeding)
  5. Emergency C-section after failed induction 
  6. Stroke

Signs the Baby May Have Suffered a Birth Injury Due to a Labour Inducer

  1. Low heart rate (caused by excessive contractions and insufficient oxygen supply)
  2. Irregular heartbeat
  3. Bleeding in the eyes
  4. Seizures
  5. Shoulder dystocia, or when the baby's shoulder gets trapped in the pelvis
  6. Clavicle or humerus fractures suffered by the baby
  7. Brain injury (leading to cerebral palsy) 

In worst-case scenarios, failed induction can be life-threatening for both mother and baby.

Is the Hospital Responsible for Your Injuries? 

There are a lot of factors involved in determining liability in a birth injury claim, which is why you need to speak to experienced birth injury lawyers who can explain the standard of care you are owed, and can help you determine if your doctors failed to meet that standard.

Using synthetic hormones such as Pitocin requires the doctor to weigh the risks and benefits of inducing labour. They may opt to use Pitocin because the mother-to-be is more than two weeks overdue, or if they are looking to reduce the chances of a C-section, or if there are other medical concerns that make induction the safer choice.

Doctors must also empower the mother (and her loved ones) with the requisite information for her to be able to make an informed decision on whether or not to go ahead with the induction.

Administering Pitocin isn't a purely 'mathematical' exercise either, since every person responds to it differently, making the presence of experienced medical staff essential throughout the process.

Doctors and nurses must keep tabs on the frequency of contractions, monitor the mother and baby's heart rate, and watch for warning signs that labour is not progressing safely. It may also be prudent to have an obstetrician on call in case the mother requires an emergency C-section.

Nick and Katherine Didn’t Let Their Daughter’s Life Be Dictated by Her Birth Injury

What to Do if You Have Suffered a Birth Injury - Find Qualified Birth Injury Lawyers

Our birth injury lawyers help parents and loved ones safeguard the future of their child. Book a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation to discuss your birthing experience, and understand what your next steps should be.

 

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