The uterus is the unborn baby’s home where it sits in suspended animation for a period of 9 months. It is typically made of amniotic fluid, the baby’s own wastes, and a combination of nutrients which keep the child nourished and developing well. All of this is encased in what’s called an amniotic sac which has a placenta jutting out that attaches to the uterine wall. Compromising the integrity of the uterus by way of a tear can lead to serious health consequences for both the mother and baby or even death.
Uterine tears can sometimes be natural and caused by things like a generic predisposition. However, most of the time, these are caused by doctors or other health professionals not doing the right thing during labor.
Here are some of the factors that may lead to a uterine tear:
- Forceful clamp use during delivery
- Failure to monitor any fetal or maternal distress during labor
- Using drugs such as Pitocin to artificially induce forceful contractions
- Drug abuse by the mother using substances such as cocaine
- Presence of scar tissue due to things like cancer, fibroid removal or earlier C-sections
- The presence of more than one fetus causing uterine distension
- Aggressive placental removal by delivery physicians
Uterine ruptures almost always lead to serious complications. Once there is a tear, the baby will start to lose oxygen. If not mitigated in a timely manner, their brain will lack oxygen which will lead to cell death and the likelihood that they will be born with cerebral palsy. On the other hand, the mother may go into shock, compromising both her and the baby’s life. Doctors must act fast to stabilize both individuals before it is too late.
Birth Injury Legal Help – Call Today!
Given the human aspect of uterine ruptures, one can file a medical malpractice lawsuit to recover compensation that will help in taking care of complications from the ruptured uterus as well as pay the family damages for the emotional pain and suffering they went through. Please get in touch with us today at 877-561-3004 for your free and confidential consultation into birth injury cases.