A breech birth occurs when an infant enters the birth canal feet first, instead of head first. When a breech presentation occurs, there is an increased risk for birth injury or infant death. A breech presentation occurs in 3-4% of labors that go to term, however the risk for a breech presentation is higher in premature babies. A medical provider can usually determine if an infant is presenting in a breech position before childbirth through examinations and tests. If discovered early, they can perform adjustments to reposition the baby, or may choose to deliver the baby by c-section.

There are a number of complications and birth injuries that can result from a breech birth. Umbilical cord prolapse occurs when the cord becomes compressed as the infant moves through the birth canal. This compression can cut off the baby's oxygen and blood supply. If the baby is not delivered immediately, it may experience brain damage or death. Additionally, when a baby's body is delivered first, its head can become caught inside the mother and spinal cord or other nerve damage can occur when practitioners attempt to dislodge the baby. Since physicians have limited time to deliver a baby in a breech situation, there is also a higher risk for birth trauma.

Our Chicago medical malpractice lawyers have represented families in cases involving injuries due to complications during breech deliveries. For example, we received a $6.71 verdict against a Chicago hospital for a girl who suffered brachial plexus injuries that crippled her left arm during a breech birth.

If you believe that your child suffered injury or death as a result of a breech birth complication, call us at 312-332-2872 or 877-374-1417 or fill out the medical malpractice case evaluation form and an experienced birth injury attorney will call you to discuss your case.