Birth injuries are a significant problem in the United States despite the rate of maternal and birth injuries decreasing. If even one case of a child suffering an injury could be avoided, everyone involved should want to do all they can to make this happen. Still, they do occur, and they’re a result of poor testing, poor care and negligence or recklessness.
Many parents don’t understand the true value in doing their research before delivering a baby. They may not be clear on the importance of prenatal care or on why so many tests are needed during pregnancy.
Fortunately, by better understanding the importance of these things, you can do more to make sure your child is born as safely as possible. Here are three tips to help.
1. Do your research and understand prenatal care
The first thing you need to do is to make sure you understand prenatal care and its purpose. Prenatal checkups are vital to watching the growth of a baby and checking on the health of the mother. Find a prenatal clinic or OB-GYN you know has a good history of providing prenatal care, ultrasounds and other tests. It’s even better if those tests are available in-office.
2. Choose a doctor you can trust and know your right to a second opinion
It’s easy to go to a doctor, but what’s not easy is choosing who you want to perform a Cesarean section or delivery. Get to know the doctor you choose well in advance, so you can decide if he or she is the right doctor for you. If you feel uncomfortable, you have every right to seek the opinion of another doctor and to switch doctors if necessary.
3. Be knowledgeable about potential problems during pregnancy or delivery
When you do settle on a doctor and hospital for your delivery, get involved in your treatment. Learn about potential symptoms or side effects you need to watch out for. Catching diseases and illnesses in their early stages is the best bet for avoiding serious complications down the line. Always be straightforward with your doctor and answer questions truthfully. You never know what you say that will help your doctor deliver your baby more safely than if he or she did not know about that factor.
These tips can help you deliver with a lower risk of complications, diseases or illnesses. Not every birth injury is avoidable, and some conditions are genetic, but with good preparation, you can prevent some major issues from occurring.
