Maternal Infections and Birth Injuries

Pregnancy is a miraculous and complicated process, and it comes with potential risks that can affect both a mother and her unborn child. One such risk factor is maternal infections, which, if left untreated, can lead to serious birth injuries.

Maternal infections during pregnancy can occur at various stages and may involve bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens. These infections can affect the health of both the mother and the developing fetus. Common maternal infections include urinary tract infections (UTIs), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), respiratory infections, and periodontal diseases. Expectant mothers must receive proper prenatal care to detect and address these infections promptly.

When a pregnant woman experiences an untreated infection, the microorganisms can potentially cross the placenta and reach the developing fetus. This transplacental transmission can lead to various complications, including inflammation, fetal distress, and organ damage. The severity of the injury depends on factors such as the type of infection, gestational age, and the overall health of both the mother and the fetus.

Birth injuries linked to maternal infections

• Cerebral palsy. Maternal infections, particularly those affecting the central nervous system, have been associated with an increased risk of cerebral palsy in infants. Cerebral palsy is a group of neurological disorders that affect a child’s motor skills and muscle tone. Infections like cytomegalovirus (CMV) and rubella have been linked to cerebral palsy when contracted during pregnancy.
• Hearing loss. Certain maternal infections, such as cytomegalovirus and syphilis, have been linked to congenital hearing loss in infants. The effect on the auditory system can result in varying degrees of hearing impairment, ranging from mild to profound.
• Vision impairment. Maternal infections like toxoplasmosis and rubella pose a risk to the developing fetal eyes, potentially leading to vision impairment or blindness. These infections can cause inflammation and damage to the optic nerve and other vital structures within the eye.

Birth injuries and medical malpractice

Families affected by birth injuries resulting from maternal infections may pursue legal action, like a medical malpractice lawsuit, to seek compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial hardships they face, now and in the future. Establishing a link between maternal infection and birth injury is important in cases like these, and it often requires the expertise of medical professionals and a Little Rock birth injury attorney.

• Proving negligence. To pursue a successful birth injury lawsuit, it must be demonstrated that the healthcare provider or facility was negligent in diagnosing or treating the maternal infection. This negligence may involve a failure to conduct necessary tests, misdiagnosis, or inadequate treatment that allowed the infection to escalate and harm the developing fetus.
• Role of expert witnesses. Expert witnesses, such as infectious disease specialists and obstetricians, play a vital role in birth injury cases linked to maternal infections. They can provide testimony regarding the standard of care expected in diagnosing and treating infections during pregnancy, as well as the link between the maternal infection and the birth injury.
• Seeking damages. Families pursuing legal action may seek various forms of damages, including medical expenses related to the birth injury, future care costs, rehabilitation expenses, and compensation for the child’s pain and suffering. Additionally, parents may seek damages for their own emotional distress and the impact on their quality of life.

Preventing maternal infections and birth injuries

While not all maternal infections can be prevented, there are steps that healthcare providers and expectant mothers can take to minimize the risk and mitigate potential harm:

• Comprehensive prenatal care. Regular prenatal check-ups are essential to detect and address infections early in pregnancy. These check-ups allow healthcare providers to monitor the mother’s health, detect infections early, and provide appropriate interventions.
• Screening and testing. Comprehensive screening for infections during pregnancy is vital. Routine blood tests, urine tests, and screenings for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) help identify and address potential issues.
• Education and awareness. Educating expectant mothers about the importance of hygiene, safe health practices, and the potential risks of certain infections during pregnancy can empower them to take preventive measures. Healthcare providers should provide information on the potential risks associated with specific infections during pregnancy and their impact on the developing fetus.
• Dental health. Healthcare providers should advise good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. Periodontal diseases have been linked to preterm birth and low birth weight, so maintaining oral health is crucial during pregnancy.
• Timely treatment. Prompt and appropriate treatment of maternal infections is crucial to prevent their escalation and reduce the risk of harm to the fetus. Healthcare providers should prescribe safe and effective antibiotics or antiviral medications that pose minimal risk to the fetus.

If you believe you have developed a maternal infection that caused injuries to you or your baby, you have options. The Little Rock medical malpractice attorneys at Bailey & Greer, PLLC know how to help. We’ve secured several multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for our clients, and we would like to do the same for you.

We are here to answer all of your questions about your claim, and work toward securing you maximum compensation for your injuries. To schedule a consultation to discuss your case, please call or contact us. We also have offices in Memphis and Jackson, Tennessee.