Risk Of Cerebral Palsy Increases If Born At Night
A recent study concluded that babies born at night are more likely to be born with brain disorders such as cerebral palsy and epilepsy. The study reviewed the delivery of two million Californian babies in the span of 14 years. The authors concluded that babies born between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. were 22 percent more likely to develop cerebral palsy than those born during other times of the day.
Cerebral palsy often develops as the result of a birth trauma that occurs when the flow of blood and oxygen is restricted during the birth process. Once it becomes apparent that the mother or infant is not receiving enough oxygen, medical personnel must act quickly to increase the oxygen flow – often by performing an emergency c-section. In some situations, the failure to respond quickly enough to restore blood and oxygen follow may constitute medical malpractice.
The current cerebral palsy study bolsters earlier findings linking night births and adverse outcomes. While previous studies found medical staff errors to be one of the major factors that influenced the risk of brain dysfunction, the current study avoids citing reasons for the increased nighttime risk.
For more information or if you believe you child suffered harm during the delivery process, we may be able to help. Contact the birth injury attorneys at Bostwick, Peterson & Mitchell today.
