Brain bleeds in fetuses and newborns can be discovered

Caring for fetuses and newborns is very important for obstetricians and neonatal nurses. Part of this care includes monitoring the birthing process to ensure that major issues are not missed. One of the hidden dangers of childbirth is internal bleeding within the child’s brain. This is a serious condition that can result in substantial neurological impairment and even death.

This is why when babies are born, their blood is tested to measure platelet levels to ensure that internal bleeding has not occurred, and so that the child has the ability to stop bleeding. Newborns with low platelet counts are given transfusions to improve those levels.

It was conventionally believed that only low platelet levels were responsible for brain bleeds, but new research shows that attacks on a newborn’s immune system could lead to such issues. Research highlighted in a medicalnewstoday.com report suggested that the difference in antigens between the birth mother and the child could lead the mother’s immune system to attack the fetus’ system. In these instances, close monitoring during and after the birth is necessary.

Such monitoring is indicative of the care needed to ensure the safety of a fetus. Also there is a legal requirement that such care be taken as well. If a doctor does not follow established protocols to monitor a fetus’ progress, and such a failure results in a birth injury, the doctor could be held liable for medical malpractice. This would lead to the parents of the child seeking compensation for the newborn’s injuries.

If you have questions about what doctors should monitor before and after a baby’s birth, an experienced attorney can help.