Electronic Health Reporter

According to the CDC, birth injuries are a leading cause of death and disability among infants. The most common causes of birth injury include fetal distress that results in a lack of oxygen or blood supply to the brain, excess fluid around the baby during birth, prolonged labor, and breech delivery.

The birth injury rate in the U.S. is one of the highest in developed countries, with approximately seven in every 1,000 newborns experiencing birth injuries. With so many birth injuries occurring every year, it’s essential to know what birth-related accidents are and how they can be prevented.

Birth Injuries And Birth-Related Accidents

A newborn can get injured during birth or while in the hospital in several ways. Some birth injuries are due to mishaps or medical negligence. Some birth injuries are evident, but others are not. A brain injury at birth or during birth is possible, and unresponsiveness or inactivity may suggest brain damage. Meanwhile, injury to the lungs can cause cyanosis (blue skin) and trouble breathing. A newborn with any of these symptoms should be seen by a doctor immediately. Even if the parents are unaware of any issues, a doctor’s full-body check is essential after delivery. Making an appointment ahead of time to discuss what tests should be performed is recommended.

The Benefits of Technology in the Delivery Room

It’s no surprise that more and more hospitals worldwide are investing in technology during childbirth, both for new parents and medical staff. Previously, doctors had to predict how much power or traction was exerted during birth to use one of their equipment. Now, doctors can observe what’s going on within the mother’s body at all times with devices such as fetal monitors.

It’s important to note that birth injuries can occur even with the highest level of care. Technology helps doctors and medical staff provide an optimal birth experience and detect early birth injury signs. New technologies help improve birth outcomes by facilitating earlier detection of birth-related issues in pregnant women. There are different types of tech available for both expectant mothers and the medical professionals who attend the birth.

AI Ultrasound Imaging

Ultrasound imaging allows clinicians to see a fetus’ anatomy throughout pregnancy. These risks include misinterpretation of head position (low risk), fetal death (high risk), and uterine rupture (moderate risk). Meanwhile, AI ultrasound imaging technologies can detect birth injuries and mistakes better than humans. AI can also analyze more data and find health issues faster than regular ultrasound machines.

Fetal Monitors

Doctors can use fetal monitors to learn more about the mother’s physiology during labor and delivery. In addition to detecting labor, fetal monitors alert medical personnel to signals of distress in either mother or baby, allowing for an earlier birth rather than waiting for difficulties. Many fetal monitors can also track the baby’s health after delivery. Babies delivered prematurely or with poor health will benefit from improved monitoring, which can help doctors respond swiftly and ensure they get the care they need.

Pregnancy Apps

Certain apps can help mothers in labor manage their pain. An app can also help pregnant women practice yoga breathing, which helps them naturally breathe during birth and boosts oxygen flow from mom to baby. There are various apps to help women prepare for birth, such as GentleBirth, Calm Birth, and Mind The Bump. Keeping calm during labor not only benefits a mom, but the baby as well.

Employing technology to reduce the risks of birth injuries is one of the best ways to safeguard newborns. If you’re expecting a baby, talk to your doctor about your options to protect your baby’s overall health and wellbeing during birth.