Sometimes a pregnancy does not go as expected, even when the mother and baby are diagnosed as healthy. It is not uncommon, for example, for mothers in Providence to be told that their babies are breech in the womb. A breech baby is one who has not turned head-down, which is the normal and safest position for a natural delivery.
Of course, OB-GYNs will do what they can to prevent a breech birth, the reason being that breech deliveries are considered far more risky to the baby’s health than normal deliveries. According to the American Pregnancy Association, a mother may have difficulty delivering the head last with a breech baby. Problems with the umbilical cord may also occur, or any number of additional complications. A cesarean section is the recommended procedure with breech infants.
Often, the doctor will attempt to correct a breech presentation by trying to externally turn the baby in a procedure called external cephalic version, states WebMD. This procedure is said to be about 58 percent successful, but also comes with risks, such as squeezing or twisting the umbilical cord, premature labor or placenta abruptio (loosening of the placenta from the uterine wall). Uterine rupture or the opening of a previous c-section scar are other slight risks. There may also be serious complications if a doctor has misdiagnosed a birth defect in the fetus or health problem in the mother. In some cases, an immediate emergency c-section is required after an external version attempt.
There can hardly be anything more terrifying for expectant parents than finding out there is a problem with the pregnancy or complications in the delivery process. When a mistake results in a birth injury, it may lead to a malpractice claim.