Infant Brain Injuries & Prenatal or Newborn Brain Damage

Inborn brain injuries occur in the womb or during birth. These injuries may result from toxins, drugs, or viruses crossing the placenta, or from trauma during birth, which is often due to medical negligence. If you believe your child did not receive proper care, the Anna Dubrovsky Law Group will work to ensure you are compensated for the damages caused by careless practitioners.

Causes of Infant Brain Injuries

One major cause of brain damage in infants is a lack of oxygen during or shortly after birth. According to the American Journal of Neuroradiology, about four out of every thousand children experience a lack of oxygen during birth. This condition is categorized as anoxia or hypoxia: 

• Anoxia: Total lack of oxygen, causing severe brain damage.
• Hypoxia: Reduced oxygen supply, causing mild to moderate brain damage

Causes of Hypoxia

• Blocked Airways: Infants’ lungs may get clogged with mucus, leading to potential brain damage if not addressed promptly.
• Umbilical Cord Problems: An umbilical cord wrapped around the infant or cut too soon can lead to oxygen deprivation and brain damage. Doctors must act quickly to resolve these issues.
• Placenta Eruptions: Early separation of the placenta from the uterus can reduce the oxygen supply to the child, potentially causing brain damage.

While not all of these scenarios are preventable, it is crucial for a mother and her doctor to monitor the child’s health and growth closely. If a doctor fails to advise a mother on how to care for an issue, they may be guilty of negligence. However, if a doctor advises proper care and the mother does not follow it, the mother may be found negligent.

Other Brain Damage-Related Situations

Medical professionals or obstetricians may also be responsible for brain injuries due to:

• Extensive and Strenuous Labor: Prolonged pushing and contracting can press the child against the mother’s uterus, causing brain damage.
• Excessive Pulling: Atypical or aggressive pulling by a doctor can lead to inborn brain injuries.
• Irregular Use of Tools: Birth-assisting tools should only be used when necessary. Improper use can cause both physical and brain damage to the child.