Expectant mothers in Texas should not be content to trust any hospital when it comes to prenatal care. The fact is that maternal mortality rates have hit record highs in the U.S., reportedly because of hospital negligence. Physicians may fail to adequately assess or respond to complications that arise with a pregnancy, and staff members may cut corners to save money. Understaffing, poor training, below-average pay and a lack of regulations also contribute.
Expectant mothers must first of all take control of their prenatal care to reduce the risk for complications during delivery. For example, they can follow the recommendations for diet and exercise and take prenatal vitamins once they find out they are pregnant. They can note the baby’s movements and any illnesses or abnormalities in a journal; this will also help the doctor prepare for birth.
An electronic fetal monitoring system could show changes that will be of concern later on, so parents should familiarize themselves with this. They can then point out those changes to medical personnel and ensure that they do something about it. Communication is also vital during the delivery. The mother must report any abnormal feelings during that time.
Before anything, parents should do research to find a hospital with the safest environment for delivery. They can read third-party reviews and see if any delivery complications arose at that hospital.
Birth injuries can range from bone fractures and bruising to brain damage and cerebral palsy. Parents of an injured baby who believe that a doctor’s negligence was behind the incident may want to see a lawyer about filing a medical malpractice claim. Malpractice claims might end in large settlements covering the cost for medical care, rehabilitative care, special education and specialized equipment, among other things. The lawyer may be able to negotiate on the parents’ behalf, preparing the case for court as a last resort.
