Even with the knowledge and technology available to today’s doctors, emergencies can still occur during the delivery of a baby. Doctors and their teams must be ready to act at a moment’s notice should an infant become in danger of suffering a birth injury. Hopefully, any possible dangers to a baby’s health and well-being will be properly responded to.
However, as frightening as delivery room emergencies may be, there are also pre-term threats that parents should be aware of. One such possible threat is the mother’s use of medication while carrying a child.
For example, one medical study examined women who took antidepressant medications while pregnant. According to the study’s findings, the use of antidepressants was connected to higher rates of preterm birth.
A preterm birth can present a number of potential dangers. Compared to full-term children, preterm children experience higher mortality rates. Further, preterm children face an increased likelihood of suffering such developmental issues as intellectual delays and cerebral palsy. Preterm babies may also face a greater risk of suffering from asthma and other chronic health issues.
What this study demonstrates is that doctors must carefully monitor the medications that their pregnant patients use. A doctor who prescribes medications to a woman who is expecting a child must be able to explain the potential dangers. It is important for the expectant mother to understand what she is taking and how it might possibly affect her or her baby.
If a doctor takes unnecessary risks in prescribing medications which lead to an infant being harmed, that doctor may be in some regard liable for the injury. If you believe that a prescribed medication has caused an injury to you or your baby, you may wish to contact an Arizona medical malpractice attorney. Such cases can be complicated. An investigation carried out by the attorney may help strengthen your claim.