Expecting parents in Texas want their children to come into the world in the safest manner possible. At the same time, most women want some type of pain relief when it’s time to go into labor. Before giving birth, parents should understand the types of anesthesia and how each can affect mother and baby during the process.
General anesthesia
This type of anesthesia is rarely used during childbirth. Instances when it may be administered include during an emergency cesarean, when an epidural or spinal block cannot be placed or when a woman cannot tolerate a regional anesthetic. The chance of maternal death with general anesthesia increases twofold over regional anesthesia. When it comes to the baby, however, other problems can occur. General anesthesia may cause a loss of uterine blood flow, resulting in a birth injury and neonatal depression.
Epidural and spinal anesthesia
An epidural injection, which is a method of administering anesthesia that numbs the lower half of the body to ease childbirth pain can also cause a birth injury. A spinal or intrathecal block is similar to an epidural but administered in a slightly different manner. Both of these types of anesthesia slow down the delivery process, which can end up causing harm to a newborn in certain cases.
What caused your baby’s birth injury?
If your baby suffered an anesthesia birth injury, it may have been caused by doctor negligence. A variety of errors can cause problems in childbirth that have long-lasting repercussions. With help from a lawyer, you could take legal action and obtain compensation to help aid your child’s recovery.
