Giving birth is an amazing experience that comes with a lot of risks. Many of these risks are beyond your control, such as the baby’s gender or your health history. And unfortunately, there are several cases when the mother suffers an injury during childbirth. Most of the time, this is due to the staff’s negligence, but there are also times when it’s impossible to avoid.
And when it’s the staff’s fault, you can always call a Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Attorney to seek justice. But before you do that, it pays to know the various ways you could suffer an injury to stay vigilant. Take a look.
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Excessive Bleeding
After giving birth, it’s normal to lose some blood. However, if you’re losing too much blood, it can lead to low blood pressure and fainting. To avoid this, rest and drink plenty of fluids after giving birth. If you feel weak or dizzy, sit down or lie down immediately and call your doctor.
Tearing
During childbirth, your vagina and perineum (the area between your vagina and anus) stretch greatly. This can cause tearing, which is usually minor, and heals within a few weeks. To avoid more serious tearing, your doctor may give you an episiotomy (a small cut made in the perineum) or use forceps or a vacuum during delivery.
Infection
Giving birth increases your risk of developing an infection in your uterus (womb) or your urinary tract. Infections can cause fever, chills, and vomiting. Make sure to cleanse your hands thoroughly before and after touching your wounds, empty your bladder frequently, and take showers instead of baths until your stitches have healed to get around this possibility.
Pelvic Floor Damage
The pelvic floor is the muscle group that supports the bowel, bladder, and uterus. Childbirth can weaken these muscles and cause incontinence (leakage of urine or stool). Kegel exercises during and after pregnancy can help improve the pelvic floor’s muscle tone and prevent incontinence.
Thrombosis
Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot in a vein. This can happen when you’re pregnant because your blood flow slows down and becomes thicker. Blood clots usually form in the legs but can travel to the lungs and cause shortness of breath if they aren’t treated promptly. To avoid thrombosis, move around frequently during pregnancy, get up, and walk around every few hours if you’re on bed rest. Your doctor may also prescribe blood thinners if you’re at high risk for developing blood clots.
Perineal Laceration
A perineal laceration is a tear in the tissue between the anus and vagina that occurs during childbirth. These tears range in severity from first-degree (superficial) to fourth-degree (deep). First-degree tears usually heal within a week without any treatment other than cleansing with warm water after each bowel movement.
More severe tears may require stitches or even surgery. To reduce the risk of perineal laceration, wear comfortable clothing during labor so that you can move around freely. You could also use different positions during pushing, such as squatting or being on all fours if possible. And don’t hold your breath while pushing!
Maternal Exhaustion
Giving birth is exhausting. Resting as much as possible during labor and delivery and afterward is important. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, ask for help from your partner, friends, or family. Take a nap when your baby sleeps, and don’t be afraid to ask for help with household chores or childcare.’
Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you think you have been injured due to the negligence of the hospital staff, calling an injury attorney can be a right bet. However, avoid making these mistakes when hiring a lawyer.
Not Checking the Lawyer’s Credentials
You wouldn’t hire a doctor without checking their credentials first, so don’t make the same mistake with a lawyer. Be sure to check that the lawyer you are considering hiring is licensed to practice law in your state and that they have no disciplinary actions against them.
Hiring Based on the Advertisement
Just because an attorney has a flashy commercial or website doesn’t mean they are the best choice to represent you. In fact, many personal injury lawyers use these marketing tactics to lure in unsuspecting clients. The best way to find a good lawyer is through word-of-mouth or a referral from a trusted source.
Not Asking for a Free Consultation
Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations, so there is no excuse not to take advantage of this opportunity. This is your chance to get to know the lawyer and ask any questions you may have about your case. It’s also an opportunity for the lawyer to assess your case and see if they can take it on.
Final Word
Childbirth is an amazing experience, but it’s also a time when you’re vulnerable to injury. To avoid complications, follow your doctor’s instructions and listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to call your doctor or go to the hospital.
If you still have any questions or concerns, feel free to ask us in the comments!
